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Meghalaya HC panel seeks urgent action plan to curb illegal coal mining

From Hindustan Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • A Meghalaya High Court committee has urged the state government to implement an urgent action plan against illegal coal mining.
  • The committee also called for a policy to close and fence thousands of abandoned "rat-hole" mine pits.
  • Despite assurances, the state has not yet notified a comprehensive plan, while abandoned mines continue to pose a danger.

A committee appointed by the Meghalaya High Court has strongly urged the state government to expedite the notification of a comprehensive action plan aimed at curbing illegal coal mining and its transportation. The committee, headed by Justice BP Katakey, also emphasized the critical need for a policy to address the closure and fencing of thousands of abandoned "rat-hole" mine pits across the state.

In its 39th Interim Report, the committee expressed concern that its previous recommendations for a state action plan remain unimplemented, despite the ongoing threats posed by illegal mining activities and unsecured abandoned mine openings. The panel stressed that immediate notification of the plan is essential to bolster prevention, detection, and enforcement measures against illegal mining operations.

The aforesaid two project proposals… do not have any proposal for taking of adequate measures, including fencing of the mine openings, to prevent danger to human life and livestock till implementation.

— Justice BP Katakey committee reportThe committee pointed out deficiencies in the proposed restoration projects, specifically the lack of interim safety measures for abandoned mine openings.

While the Mining and Geology Secretary had assured the committee in late June that a draft State Action Plan was prepared and would be notified within two weeks, the plan has yet to be officially announced. The committee also highlighted the persistent danger posed by thousands of unsecured abandoned mine openings, which present a continuing risk to both people and livestock.

The committee noted that while restoration project reports for two pilot sites have been prepared, they lack interim safety arrangements, such as fencing, to prevent accidents until full implementation. Justice Katakey stressed that Meghalaya cannot afford to delay securing these hazardous mine openings and called for an immediate state policy prioritizing the closure and fencing of pits near habitations. Consultations with traditional authorities are underway to identify and secure these dangerous sites.

Meghalaya could not afford to wait for restoration projects to be implemented before securing dangerous mine openings.

— Justice BP KatakeyJustice Katakey emphasized the urgency of securing hazardous mine openings, even before long-term restoration projects are completed.
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Originally published by Hindustan Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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