A one-man committee appointed by the Meghalaya High Court has confirmed the continuation of illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills district and pulled the district police for failing to detect ongoing operations despite prior complaints and video evidence. In its 34th interim report, the committee said no SP or police representative attended its November 20 meeting, even though officials of the district administrarion, Coal India and MSTC participated. The panel reviewed compliance with earlier directions issued by the high court, the Supreme Court, and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The committee reviewed the compliance status of previous directions issued by the High Court, the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). It examined a series of complaints of illegal mining and transportation received earlier this month from East and West Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills. While a field inspection at Nartiang revealed no trace of coal movement, the committee emphasised that sensitive locations would require enhanced surveillance, particularly during the dry season when mining and transportation activities usually increase.
In another case, a complaint from Nongstoin was dismissed as unsubstantiated after the coal in question was verified to have been legally auctioned and lifted. However, a major complaint submitted by Opposition MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang, supported by video clips allegedly showing illegal activity at Lumbangla in East Jaintia Hills, prompted a joint inspection. The inspection confirmed the existence of large coal dumps and signs of fresh mining, including a reinforced mine opening. The panel concluded that these findings pointed to a long-running illegal operation.