By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 8: The Justice (retd) B.P. Katakey Commission has called for immediate measures to address the prolonged underutilisation of Rs 100 crore deposited with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for environmental restoration and rehabilitation in Meghalaya’s coal mining-affected regions.
In its 35th interim report submitted before the High Court of Meghalaya, the Commission highlighted that, apart from the amounts already sanctioned, a significant portion of the fund has remained idle with the CPCB for an extended period. This delay stems primarily from the failure of Meghalaya government departments to submit adequate and appropriate project proposals.
The Commission has directed the Secretary of the Mining and Geology Department to convene a meeting within one week, involving all relevant departments and Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts. The goal is to fast-track the submission of suitable proposals and appoint nodal officers to ensure effective coordination. A detailed status report on these actions must be submitted by February 28, 2026, the Commission ordered.
Additionally, the Commission recommended that the Secretary ensure proper implementation of already-sanctioned projects and hold implementing agencies accountable for the utilisation of released funds. Another status report on project implementation and fund usage is required by the same deadline.
According to the report, of the Rs 100 crore earmarked for ecological restoration—including afforestation, plantation development in mining-impacted areas, and upgrades to pollution monitoring infrastructure—the CPCB has released Rs 17.52 crore. These funds support projects approved by the Oversight Committee set up by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) during its 9th sitting on July 9, 2025.
Proposals worth Rs 5.02 crore remain pending before the Oversight Committee for final approval. Of these, Rs 2.69 crore were recommended at the 27th Technical Committee Meeting on September 23, 2025, and Rs 2.33 crore at the 28th meeting on December 8, 2025. However, the Oversight Committee has yet to hold a session to consider them.
The Commission stressed that the Rs 100 crore—originally deposited following Supreme Court and NGT directives—was specifically intended for environmental management and restoration in mining-affected parts of the state. It emphasised the urgency of timely utilisation in the broader public interest to mitigate long-standing ecological damage from coal mining activities.
