Meghalaya HC’s BP Katakey committee demands reports on illegal coal mining in four districts

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Justice (retd) BP Katakey, heading the Meghalaya High Court-appointed committee investigating illegal coal mining, has instructed the East Jaintia Hills District administration to submit a report by May 23. The committee, tasked with overseeing the state’s illegal coal mining activities, requires other districts to submit their reports by tomorrow, May 14.

Justice Katakey emphasized that the verification of coal deposits in East Jaintia Hills, the largest coal-producing area, would take additional time. “I have requested the administration for periodic submissions because, if I wait for the entire exercise to be completed, it may take longer,” he stated. “The next report will be submitted by the 23rd of this month as I am expected to present a comprehensive report to the High Court by June 2,” he added.

The committee’s ongoing investigation has revealed that over 1.92 lakh metric tons of illegally mined coal has been discovered across four districts. “Illegal coal mining is ongoing in these four districts, as evidenced by the substantial coal quantities found,” said Justice Katakey. Of the total coal found, East Jaintia Hills accounts for the majority—approximately 1.8 lakh metric tons. The findings were based on an aerial survey conducted by Garuda UAV, which identified over 1.90 lakh metric tons of illegally mined coal beyond the inventoried and seized quantities.

Justice Katakey commended the prompt response of the state government, noting that district authorities had been instructed to verify and act under the MMDR Act to seize the illegally mined coal.

The committee also addressed the issue of coal brought from outside the state, with recommendations for modifications to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 2024, including the inclusion of taxation department officials in the scrutiny process. Justice Katakey confirmed that the committee has accepted these suggestions, with the notification expected shortly.

The findings from the ongoing investigations have exposed a vast network of illegal coal mining activities. “The 28th Interim Report reflects significant evidence of illegal coal mining in these districts,” Justice Katakey concluded.

Justice Katakey plans to submit his next report to the High Court between May 27 and 28.

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