NGT panel orders inquiry into illegal mining of slate in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 16, 2019

SHILLONG: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) committee has ordered an inquiry into the illegal mining of slate in Meghalaya. 

This came after the committee has conducted audit on the source of fuel used by the cement factories and power plants in the state of Meghalaya, as per the NGT orders. 

After its meeting held here on Monday, chairman of the committee, retired Justice BP Katakey said Star Cement in one report has informed that apart from coal, they are also using slate as an alternative fuel by making payment of royalty to the state government. 

He said on enquired, the state government has informed the committee that there has been no mining lease issued for mining of slate so far.

The chairman has also questioned the decision of the state government to accept the royalty in respect of mineral mined illegally. 

“Therefore, we have directed them (state government) to make an inquiry into that and come up with details in the next proceedings to be held on October 18, as this has to be found out because especially of Star Cement, who is using slate as an alternative fuel,” Katakey said. 

The committee has also received reaction of the state pollution control board, central pollution control board and ministry of environment, forest and climate change on the report submitted by the Star Cement Ltd on the use of alternative fuel other than coal. 

“However, we could not take final call on that as we require further information. We have asked them to furnish further information so that we can take a final call,” the chairman said.

On the failure of some of the cement plants and power plants to furnish the required information as per order passed by the NGT on August, this year, Katakey said, “We will issue reminder to them and if they do not we will not wait for them and there will be adverse presumption…” 

The chairman further informed that the committee is proposing to submit one report on its observation relating to the use of coal or alternative to coal by the cement factories and power plants to the NGT by October.