Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma alleges illegal coal trade

Upon receiving representations from Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) members and local citizens, former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma made a surprise visit to Eraaning Coal Depot to check on rampant illegal coal mining in Meghalaya.
Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma alleges illegal coal trade

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Upon receiving representations from Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) members and local citizens, former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma made a surprise visit to Eraaning Coal Depot to check on rampant illegal coal mining in Meghalaya.

After jointly visiting the area with members, petitioners and local citizens, Sangma said, "From the coal that is stacked in the ground, it is evident that dumping, loading and transportation is taking place. This area indicates that illegal coal mining is continuing on a large scale."

On the basis of the coals stacked, a geologist from the representative body has also confirmed that the coal has been mined recently. Another MDC said, "We have found out that the complete modus operandi of running the transportation of coal is being facilitated by the Government and the district authorities itself."

Highlighting the apathy of the State Government in preventing illegal coal mining, Sangma called upon the Government of India and the judiciary to take cognizance of the large-scale illegal coal mining across Meghalaya. Demanding a court-monitored investigation, he emphasized how illegal coal mining is jeopardizing the State exchequer, district councils and, consequently, people because it is done to evade regulations and taxes.

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