TMC Accuses Meghalaya Government Of Patronising Illegal Coal Mining

SHILLONG: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has made allegations against the Meghalaya government for its involvement in patronizing illegal coal mining and its transportation in neighbouring country Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Marthon Sangma, the TMC legislator informed that the government of Meghalaya has been taking advantage of various departments in the state to make a profit and it was refusing revenue to the State.

Sangma further alleged that the Meghalaya government illegally extract coal and during transportation, the coal is referred to as transported from the state of Assam. The coals are then illegitimately transported to the neighbouring country of Bangladesh.

The legislator said that some of the traders and officers are getting benefits and earning money throughout this process of illegal extraction of coal and its transportation. But Assam is getting the revenue from the coal.

Making accusations on the government of the state he said that such type of illegal coal mining is next to impossible by officers without taking aid from the government.

Sangma strongly alleged that not even a single kilogram of coal comes from Assam for export to neighbouring country Bangladesh.

On Monday 17 January opposition leader and former Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma made a secret visit to Eraaning Coal Depot to inspect widespread illegal coal going on currently in Meghalaya.

Mukul Sangma said that after the checking it is confirmed that loading, dumping and transportation are definitely prevailing and the area suggests that large scale illegal coal mining has been continuing.

One of the geologists from the representative body also gave the confirmation that the coal mining seen in the area is very recent.

After the surprise visit, Dr. Sangma asked the Central government and the Judiciary to give importance to the matter of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya and take necessary measures.

He also demanded a court-monitored inquiry and highlighted how the illegal mining of coal is affecting the district councils, state resources and also the general public. It is jeopardizing the people to a large extent as the process is mainly done with the aim of evading taxes.

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