A one-man committee appointed by the Meghalaya High Court confirmed that illegal coal mining continued in East Jaintia Hills and criticised the district police for failing to detect the activity despite earlier complaints supported by video evidence.
In its 34th interim report, the committee noted that no senior police official, including the superintendent of police, attended its meeting on 20 November, although representatives of the district administration, Coal India and MSTC were present.
The panel reviewed compliance with previous directions issued by the High Court, the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal, and examined a series of complaints from East and West Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills. While a field inspection at Nartiang found no coal movement, it stated that sensitive locations required heightened surveillance during the dry season.
A complaint from Nongstoin was dismissed after the coal was verified to have been legally auctioned. However, a major complaint by Opposition MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang, backed by video clips showing alleged illegal activity at Lumbangla, led to a joint inspection. The inspection confirmed large coal dumps, signs of fresh mining and a reinforced mine opening, indicating a long-running illegal operation.
The committee pointed to inconsistencies in police case records, including conflicting FIR dates and the lack of any seizure of equipment visible in the videos. It said the undetected operations reflected a serious enforcement lapse.
The panel directed the district administration to identify vulnerable locations, intensify patrolling and submit monthly reports to the chief secretary. It further called for strict monitoring of entry and exit points to curb illegal coal transportation.
On coal auctions, the committee recorded a government notification imposing a 120-day deadline for bidders to complete payment and lift allocated coal. It also instructed that new auctions be held for inventorised coal lying at Coal India depots after the April 2025 auction drew no bidders.
The report flagged a 40,554.72 metric tonne discrepancy in coal inventory in East Jaintia Hills and asked the Mining and Geology Department to submit an inquiry report within two weeks.
