By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 10: Justice (retd) B.P. Katakey, who visited the Mynsngat-Thangsko area in East Jaintia Hills on February 6, has revealed witnessing extensive illegal mining activities en route to the site. His observations, compiled in the form of the 36th interim report, come in the wake of a tragic explosion on February 5 at an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Thangsko area, which resulted in the deaths of 30 miners.
Justice Katakey stated, “I have seen a lot of illegal mining taking place on the way to the area. There may be some more coal mines there, and based on my directions, the SP has taken some steps.”
He declined to disclose his specific recommendations, noting that they have already been submitted to the High Court of Meghalaya as part of his 36th interim report.
The devastating tragedy has once again laid bare the Meghalaya government’s repeated failures to curb illegal coal mining, despite longstanding court orders and a NGT ban since 2014.
Allegations of rampant illegal mining surfaced prominently after the NPP government came to power in 2018. Initially, authorities dismissed such reports as baseless, even as evidence mounted through media and other sources.
Over time, the state government pledged strict action and vowed to end illegalities. However, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has previously defended the practice in public statements, including podcast episodes, arguing that it has existed for over 200 years and supports livelihoods.
The High Court of Meghalaya expressed deep concern over the persistent failure of authorities to stop rampant illegal rat-hole coal mining in East Jaintia Hills, describing the 36th Interim Report as “distressing” and indicative of serious lapses and dereliction of duty.
The Court warned that accountability would be fixed and that it may order a probe by an independent or central agency if the situation demands it.
The Court noted that the Katakey committee’s 36th interim report, based on a site visit and accompanied by photographs and casualty details, painted a grim picture.
It highlighted extensive illegal mining not only at Thangsko but also in nearby villages such as Mopala and Sakhain, carried out in blatant violation of the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) 2014 ban, and the rule of law. The photographs reportedly revealed rampant activity in defiance of repeated directives, the Court observed.
