Rain washed away coal to B’desh or Assam? Meghalaya Minister sparks controversy

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: In a surprising statement that has stirred controversy across the Northeast, Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla suggested that heavy monsoon rains could be responsible for the mysterious disappearance of nearly 4,000 metric tonnes (MT) of illegally mined coal. His remarks come at a time when the state is under intense judicial scrutiny and public criticism over the vanishing coal from two designated depots.

“When it comes to coal, it’s not that I am trying to justify myself or the state, but just to remind us that Meghalaya has the highest rainfall. So, with such extreme rain, anything can happen,” Shylla said. He recalled earlier allegations that floods in Assam were caused by runoff from Meghalaya, particularly from East Jaintia Hills, and speculated that rainwater might have carried the coal into neighboring regions like Bangladesh or Assam.

However, the minister stopped short of attributing full responsibility to natural causes, admitting, “I cannot blame just the rain. It could be, or it could not be. I don’t have the details to confirm whether there is any ongoing illegal coal trade.”

Shylla also addressed the persistent allegations of illegal coal mining and transportation, stating that without concrete evidence, it is difficult to confirm wrongdoing. “The allegations can be against anyone – any state or department – but we need proof. I believe that if people are doing it illegally, it’s likely out of survival. Otherwise, no one would risk harming the state knowingly,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the government’s move toward scientific mining, pointing to recent announcements by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. The controversy comes in the wake of a scathing observation by the Meghalaya High Court, which directed the state government to take immediate action and hold responsible parties accountable. The missing coal issue was brought to light following the submission of the 31st interim report by the Justice (Retd) BP Katakey committee.

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