Katakey seeks clarification on aerial survey of coal dumps in Meghalaya

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Justice (retd) BP Katakey, who heads the Meghalaya High Court-appointed committee, has sought further clarification on an aerial survey conducted within a one-kilometer radius of coal dumps in four districts—East Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, and South Garo Hills. Speaking on Monday, he emphasized the need to verify whether additional coal exists beyond the inventorized stock. “We had directed the government to conduct the aerial survey within one kilometer radius of the coal dumps found in these districts. The government, in 2019, submitted an affidavit before the Supreme Court indicating the coordinates where dumps are available. Based on that, we have directed a survey to be conducted beyond the inventorized coal. We want to see whether within that one-kilometer radius, there is coal other than the inventorized coal,” Katakey said. He confirmed that the report was submitted on March 19 and discussed in the meeting, but added, “I want certain clarification, and I have asked them to give me those clarifications, which I expect to get tomorrow.” Regarding complaints filed by four individuals about illegal coal mining in South Garo Hills, Katakey stated that an inquiry report on the matter, prepared by a committee led by Naba Bhattacharjee, has been submitted. “(Since) there is further inquiry to be conducted, the government has directed the deputy commissioner of South Garo Hills to conduct physical verification and submit a report within a week. Therefore, that report we are expecting after a week,” he said.

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