SHILLONG: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recommended adopting an electronic system to regulate movement of trucks carrying coal illegally.
During the hearing on the second report of the judicial committee headed by BP Katoki on April 11, the NGT principal bench, Delhi, said the “panel may consider requiring a foolproof mechanism to be adopted for effective action against transportation of illegally mined coal such as electronic manifest system for regulating movement of vehicles and issuance of challans”.
Another suggestion to the NGT appointed committee is that it may also consider requiring audit of the source of coal acquired by captive power plants and cement companies in Meghalaya.
It was on the direction of the tribunal on August 31 last year for restoration of the damaged environment and rehabilitation of victims that the committee headed by Katoki, a former judge of Gauhati High Court, was constituted.
The NGT has accepted the report submitted by the committee on March 31.
There will be further hearing on the matter in August.
The NGT in the order observed that no digital display of boards has been installed in districts especially Jaintia Hills affected by coal mining.
The committee had recommended the need to put up sign boards to inform the citizens about the quality of water in respective areas.
“We direct the chief secretary to take remedial measures on the matter,” the NGT said.
However, the counsel for the state submitted that issues related to the digital display of boards will be duly dealt with and a compliance report filed before the committee within two weeks, which may be considered on the next date of hearing on April 25.
Earlier, the NGT said proceedings were initiated to take remedial action against unscientific ‘rat-hole’ mining of coal in Meghalaya.
The tribunal directed stopping of such illegal mining and transportation of illegally mined material by an earlier order.
However, the NGT observed that violation to the order continued and this led to further direction, including creation of the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration (MEPR) Fund to be recovered from law violators for restoration of environment. Rs 410 crore has been credited to the fund.
Earlier, the Katoki committee submitted its first report on January 2 this year which was considered on January 4.
The report was furnished after undertaking spot inspections, reviewing and analysing the ground situation and preparing an action plan. The committee’s report noted that the problem of illegal mining has been continuing since 1991 but no steps were taken to improve the quality of water in the affected areas or to impound the vehicles and equipment used for illegal mining.
“Mining was being done with the help of cranes and other equipment. More than 2,712 trucks were seized for illegal transportation. Illegal mining was continuing without adopting safety measures,” the NGT said while also referring to the tragic incident at Ksan mine, East Jaintia Hills, on December 13 last year where 16 miners were trapped.
According to the NGT, the power and cement plants were encouraging coal mining activities. There was huge damage to the environment as a result of illegal activities. The committee recommended various steps to prevent and remedy the situation.
Earlier, the NGT had directed the state government to deposit Rs 100 crore as an interim measure for restoration of environment, which could be recovered from the violators of law, including the colluding government officials.
The tribunal had also suggested for consideration of the committee measures to deal with the vehicles involved in illegal activities, to identify victims and take mitigation measures.
The NGT also approved the proposal of the committee to release Rs 96.59 lakh from the MEPR fund for purchase of six vehicles, mounted with water tanks for distribution of potable drinking water to the residents of East Jaintia Hills who are affected by mining activities.
The green tribunal took note of the report that four persons died on March 11 this year in East Jaintia Hills while transporting coal and the state was directed to take remedial action.
