Guwahati: The one-member committee headed by retired Justice B.P. Katakey has identified Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district as a hub of large-scale illegal coal mining and transportation in its 35th interim report.
The committee said authorities must take proactive measures to immediately halt illegal mining activities and expedite investigations into multiple cases registered at Khliehriat police station. It stressed the need for swift legal action against those involved.
Noting that the district has an estimated 22,000 rat-hole mine openings, the panel directed all concerned Deputy Commissioners to submit detailed proposals for mine closure. It emphasised the involvement of village headmen and local communities in the process. The report said the estimated cost of closing the mines should be submitted to the Secretary of the state’s Mining and Geology Department within 30 days.
The committee also suggested that proposals for treating and closing acid mine drainage sites in three villages, as well as plans to transform the coal mining area in Sutnga village into a tourism destination, be examined.
To strengthen enforcement, the panel recommended enhanced drone surveillance, deployment of additional Home Guards, disruption of transport routes used for illegal coal movement, installation of new check-gates along vulnerable corridors, and monthly reporting on enforcement actions. It further called for the immediate transportation and auction of illegally mined coal stockpiles and the registration of FIRs in cases involving missing coal.
Highlighting administrative lapses, the report pointed out that Rs 100 crore lying with the Central Pollution Control Board remains unutilised. It urged state departments to submit proposals and accelerate efforts related to environmental restoration, alternative livelihood programmes and mine closure plans. A compliance report has been sought by February 28.
The committee also underlined the need for compensation to victims of recent mining-related incidents and for stricter inspections of coal-based industries operating in the region.