Kerala’s Secret Coal Stash Uncovered: 1.92 Lakh MT of Illegal Coal Reserves Found in 4 Districts
Shocking Find: Aerial Survey Uncovers Over 1.92 Lakh Metric Tonnes of Illegal Coal in Meghalaya
A recent aerial survey by Justice (retired) BP Katakey’s committee, tasked by the High Court of Meghalaya, has revealed a staggering 1.92 lakh metric tonnes of illegal coal in four districts of the state. This development has raised serious questions about the state government’s claims of cracking down on illegal coal mining and transportation.
The aerial survey, which covered an area of approximately 740 square kilometers, was conducted based on the coordinates of inventoried coal found earlier. The survey aimed to locate coal beyond the designated depots of Coal India Limited (CIL). The surprising revelation includes large-scale illegal coal operations in East Jaintia, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South Garo Hills districts, with the total quantity exceeding that of the inventoried coal.
The committee has urged the authorities to take immediate action against the illegal coal operation, asking the district magistrates, superintendents of police, and other concerned departments to be vigilant about the illegal activities. Justice Katakey has also recommended that action be taken under the MMDR Act, and FIRs be registered, with the seized coal being put up for auction, with the proceeds going to the state exchequer.
The finding is significant, given the state government’s earlier claims of having clamped down on illegal coal mining. However, the latest revelation suggests otherwise, and the committee’s findings will go into the interim report to be submitted to the High Court. The state government, meanwhile, has informed the committee that four prospective licenses for scientific mining have been issued, with four more in the pipeline.
Regarding illegal coke factories, the audit is ongoing, and compensation assessments have been conducted. However, the concerned units have been given an opportunity to respond, with a deadline of April 21 to submit their explanations. The committee and relevant departments will then review the responses and proceed with recovery actions accordingly.
The discovery of large-scale illegal coal mining is a pressing issue, and it remains to be seen how the state government will address these findings. As the investigation unfolds, one thing is certain – the illegal coal trade has been hidden in plain sight, and it’s high time the authorities took decisive action to curb this menace.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/03/26/aerial-survey-finds-1-92-lakh-mt-of-illegal-coal-in-4-dists/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-03-26 02:37:00
