SHILLONG: The Meghalaya High Court on Monday sent an urgent warning to the state government in connection with the ongoing issue of illegal coal mining.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the suo motu cognisance of illegal mining activities in the state was heard by the Division Bench, which was made up of Justices Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew and Wanlura Diengdoh.
The court issued its order in view of the Justice (retd) BP Katakey Committee's 24th and 25th interim reports.
The court voiced concern over the slow development in other crucial areas, even as it acknowledged the state government's efforts to execute some of the recommendations, such as the imposition of demurrage costs and the start of satellite images to monitor mining activities.
The Meghalaya government's advocate general, Amit Kumar, clarified that political reasons in Bangladesh were the main cause of the delay in lifting the inventoried coal.
Coal transit from pitheads to coal depots had finished, he assured the court. The court did stress that the remaining recommendations, particularly the closing of illegal mines in the South West Khasi Hills district, must be implemented quickly.
Additionally, the 26th interim report from the Katakey Committee was provided, outlining the areas in which the state administration still needs to abide by the court's orders.
In order for the court to make additional orders prior to the winter closure, the Advocate General was instructed to provide an interim status report by December 16.
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