Meghalaya HC directs Govt for closure of openings of abandoned coal mines on priority basis

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 18, 2024

The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government to take on priority basis the closure of openings of abandoned coal mines in the state.

In its order passed on Monday, the bench comprising Justice HS Thangkhiew and Justice W Diengdoh said, “With regard to the closure of openings of abandoned coal mines, it is reported that the work has been assigned to the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) and an area in Sutnga, East Jaintia Hills District and in Agremgittim, South Garo Hills District has been identified as Pilot Projects. It is further seen from the report that once the survey and analysis work is completed, then based on the data computed from the surveys, the same will be provided to the CMPDIL for finalization of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for recommendations with regard to specific technical measures required for mine closure and allied activities. Here too, for the said process of the two Pilot Projects and for the estimated time that they may require, no information has been given.”

“Since the same is a matter of concern, it is expected that the State respondent take up the matter on a priority basis, especially in view of the winter season, where illegal mining activities might take place and the abandoned coal mines reactivated,” it said.

The bench also stated that on the recommendations as made in the 26th interim report submitted by Justice (Retd) BP Katakey Committee, it is seen that with regard to the Drone survey, the State Government has engaged the service s of the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) with the approval of Katakey Committee for conduct of aerial survey of coal lying, if any, outside the CIL designated depots.

As per report, it is seen that the financial outlay and approval has now been accorded by the Oversight Committee and M/s Garuda UAV Soft Solutions has been engaged to conduct the survey and work orders are being issued to them for an area of 769.7 sq. kms.

It is also seen that the financial approval is to the tune of 7.26 crores, but in the status report, it is not reflected as to the exact time as to when the same should be completed, apart from the initial survey stated to be completed by the end of January, 2025.

It was submitted by the Advocate General that the specific timeline required will be obtained from the agency and placed before this Court on the next date.

“On the complaints of illegal transportation and compliance with the SOP for transportation of coal originating from outside the State, the present status as per the instant report is that the complaint of one

Krishan dated 14.10.2024, has been closed in view of the fact that the said complainant n ever appeared before the Committee to substantiate the allegations raised. It is also stated in the report that an Administrative Inquiry has revealed that the Mining and Geology Department, had issued valid transport perm issions for a specified quantity to the concerned person i.e. Shri. George Marak and that directions have now been issued to mention the quantity, in all communications to ensure no confusion is created as to the compliance with the SOP for transport of coal coming from outside,” the bench stated.

Meanwhile, the bench also directed the state authorities to ensure compliances with the recommendations be achieved at the earliest and also the same be apprised to the Justice Katakey Committee, before the reopening of the Court.