By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 3: The illegal mining and transportation of coal has continued in parts of Meghalaya in disregard of the court directions, with enforcement agencies seizing 18,479.826 metric tonnes of coal and 47 vehicles, according to the 37th Interim Report of the one-man Justice (retd) BP Katakey committee.
The report noted that the presence of large quantities of freshly mined coal, active coal mines, tools and machinery, including use of explosives, indicates continuation of illegal coal mining activities despite directions issued by the Supreme Court, the High Court of Meghalaya and the National Green Tribunal.
It recorded that enforcement actions have been undertaken, including issuance of 33 notices and arrest of 29 persons in connection with cases related to illegal mining and transportation.
The report further noted that apart from coal and vehicles, explosive materials, including 25.5 kg of gelatine and 74 detonator sets, have been seized.
Drone surveillance is being conducted, and teams, comprising Executive Magistrates, police and officials of the Directorate of Mineral Resources, are carrying out inspections and raids in vulnerable areas, the report said, adding that check points have been set up and cases registered under relevant provisions of law, with investigations being carried out under supervision.
The report recorded multiple instances of non-compliance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 2024 governing transportation of coal from outside Meghalaya, based on information furnished by the Mining and Geology Department.
The issue came under scrutiny following a report submitted by the Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills, in connection with an accident involving a coal-laden truck, which had stated that the transportation was in compliance with the SOP.
However, the committee sought verification of compliance with various clauses of the SOP from the Directorate of Mineral Resources.
In response, the Mining and Geology Department informed that while applications were filed by Star Cement Meghalaya Limited and Star Cement Limited on April 8, 2025 seeking approval for transportation of coal from outside the state, no approval was granted by the state government.
The report recorded that in the absence of such approval, no affidavit agreeing to comply with the terms and conditions of approval was filed. It further noted that the Directorate of Mineral Resources was not informed seven days prior to the entry of coal into the state, as required under the SOP.
The committee further recorded that necessary documents including Mineral Transport Challans, tax invoices, e-way bills, certificate of origin, delivery orders and related records were not produced at designated entry points or check gates.
It further mentioned that weighment details of the consignment from government-authorised weighbridges at the place and state of origin were not furnished.
On monitoring and reporting requirements, the report stated that no weekly returns were submitted, though monthly returns indicating transportation of coal into the state between January 2025 and February 2026 were furnished.
The committee recorded that no approval was granted for transportation of coal from outside the state with effect from January 1, 2026 till the date of reporting.
With regard to a specific consignment, the report noted that no approval was granted for transportation of coal in respect of 51 trucks stated to have been loaded on March 3, 2026 from a railway siding in Assam for delivery to a cement plant in Meghalaya.
It further recorded that no information was received by the state government regarding entry of any of these trucks into Meghalaya, although communication regarding proposed transportation had been issued by the company.
The findings, which are part of the committee’s examination of compliance with the SOP framework governing transportation of coal into the state, have been placed before the High Court.
