The Meghalaya government reported to the High Court that two illegal coke oven plants, which breached siting norms set by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), have been demolished, with plans to dismantle the remaining 15 by December 15. This update came during a hearing regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) addressing illegal coal mining and transportation in the state. The MSPCB is scheduled to carry out inspections quarterly, with consolidation of findings to follow.
Additionally, the government is awaiting approval for the shifting and auctioning of 3,039.92 MT of coal located in Nongjri, while investigations continue into 920.73 MT of missing coal. An aerial survey by Garuda in South West Khasi Hills identified 37 coal dump sites; 28 have undergone physical verification, with inspections to be completed by November 30. In East Jaintia Hills, a UAV survey estimated 81,776.92 MT of coal in 660 dumps, but only 58,321 MT was confirmed during physical checks, prompting an FIR regarding 8,766.37 MT of unaccounted coal.
From the verified coal, 142.97 MT has been sent to a designated depot, 19.508 MT corresponds with claims from a pending petition, and 35,661 MT has been ordered for seizure. The Committee has tasked the Deputy Commissioner with filing FIRs for the remaining missing coal.
In West Khasi Hills, the court was informed that seized coal may be relocated to existing depots to prevent the establishment of new temporary storage. The survey in South Garo Hills revealed about 35 MT of coal outside designated depositories, but district authorities found no coal during inspections. The report also highlighted steps to recover debts from Ferro Alloy Plants and a directive for the Coal Audit Committee to complete audits within a month. An FIR filed on October 10 pertains to individuals falsely claiming coal extraction before the national mining ban.
With approximately 210 MT of coal pending auction, the state has communicated with MSTC and Coal India, with MSTC announcing that e-auctions will resume on December 17. In response to concerns regarding illegal mining in Kremlangshait forest within East Jaintia Hills, the state confirmed a joint inspection leading to the seizure of 22,122 MT of illegally extracted coal, with evidence of drilling rigs and mining equipment still present. The High Court expects swift action to seize and dismantle illegal mining equipment.