NGT panel to recommend closure of coal mines

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 15, 2019

SHILLONG: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) constituted committee has decided to recommend the need to close down coal mines especially those located near the river banks.

Talking to media persons here on Friday, chairman of the committee Justice (retd) BP Katakey said the coal mines have been categorized into three types – those located by the side of the river, those that have been exhausted and abandoned and active coal mines.

He however said by active coal mines, it does not mean that mining activity is going on but those which coal can still be extracted.

“Our plan is to first close the coal mines that are at the river beds or by the side of the river, next step is the abandoned mines and to suggest that active coal mines should be protected,” Katakey said.

The chairman said the committee would soon submit its recommendation to the NGT to release necessary funds from the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF).

Earlier, the committee had also directed the North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC), Umiam to submit its final report on the satellite imageries relating to the number of coal mines and drainage system in East Jaintia Hills District.

According to the committee, there are around 24,592 coal mines in the undivided Jaintia Hills.