TURA, June 28: A social activist based in South Garo Hills has lodged a complaint with Justice (retd) Brojendra Prasad Katakey in Shillong alleging rampant illegal rat-hole coal mining at several villages in the district in gross violation of the ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court and in spite of repeated orders and directions issued from the High Court of Meghalaya against the activity.
The complaint by Flaming B Marak was lodged on Tuesday.
According to the complainant, large-scale illegal coal-mining activities are continuing at Jetra, Darengre and Udugre villages under Chokpot C&RD Block in South Garo Hills District.
Marak alleged that the district administration, the Police Department and even the Meghalaya government was not acting seriously to prevent the illegal mining and were exhibiting reluctance in complying with the various directions of the courts and the NGT, as is evident from the fact that mining activities can be witnessed on a daily basis by the local people.
Pointing out that the illegal mining has not only violated the law of the land but also resulted in huge loss of revenue to the state while negatively affecting the environment, Marak urged Justice Katakey to intervene and conduct an inquiry by visiting the spot and submit the findings before the full bench of the high court.
