Govt should listen to public demand for ind probe into alleged coal racket: Shylla

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 13, 2021

UDP leader and cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla on Monday categorically denied that the state government is allowing illegal mining and transportation of coal in the state.

He also asserted the need for the state government to listen to the public demand for instituting an independent inquiry into the alleged coal racket.

His statement came following the recent order passed by the Meghalaya High Court directing the district collectors to take action against anybody found involved in illegal mining of coal in the state.

The order was based on the findings of the Amicus appointed by the court who revealed that there is rampant illegal mining all over the state but little action had been taken by the state in such regard.

“We, supporting illegalities, that is out of the question as we will not allow that (illegalities to take place in the state),” said Shylla, who is holding charge of Social Welfare, Excise and Revenue & Disaster Management.

He added, “Government allowing illegal mining and transportation of coal will not arise as why we should allow that knowing fully well that if we allow, the government will only lose revenue.”

When asked, the minister said that the state government should listen to the demand of the people for instituting an independent inquiry into the alleged illegal coal trade in the state.

“If public really demands that an inquiry needs to be done, I think the government should listen to the public as we are here to serve the public,” he said.

He however lauded the police department for trying their level best to curb such illegal activities.  

Shylla further stressed on the importance of adhering to the laid down norms for starting scientific mining of coal in the state.

“I think the best way forward is to fulfill all the requirements, the criteria and the norms…as it is not permissible for anybody to break the law, especially the NGT rules as well as the mining act,” he said.

The minister also said that the only thing the government can do is to help the people on how to do mining scientifically.

“We are in the process of doing that and we are trying to help those in need of it (guidance on how to apply a mining plan for taking up scientific mining),” he said.

As far as transportation of coal is concerned, Shylla said, “If they have legal papers like challan or anything, they can go ahead (with the transportation) as the government will earn revenue and at the same time the public will also earn their livelihood.”