Mukul blames both Centre and State govts for rampant illegal coal trade in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 17, 2022

Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Monday blamed both the Centre and the state governments for the rampant illegal mining and transportation of coal in the state.

Sangma took out a surprise inspection to the Nongalbibra area of South Garo Hills District and found freshly dug coal being dumped in the area.

“Both the Government of India and Government of Meghalaya are responsible for this (rampant illegal mining and transportation of coal),” he told reporters.

Stating that coal is not only a state subject, the Leader of Opposition said this is because the coal from the state is also going through the international border and going across the inter-state border.  

He also informed that the coal being dumped in the area is freshly mined and does not look like a coal extracted from 2014.

Sangma said that he has decided to conduct a surprise inspection after receiving copies of several complaints submitted to the chief minister and chief secretary of the state by MDCs and concerned citizens against illegal mining and transportation of coal in the district.

“Inspite of this, these things are happening with impunity,” he added.

He also slammed the state government for its inaction. “For the past two years, I have been talking about this and asking the government to take cognizance of this irregularity (but to no avail),” Sangma said.

Earlier, the former chief minister also reminded the government officials present at the spot inspection that “it is your job to protect the interest of the state”. He also requested them to go through the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 properly and take necessary action against such illegalities.