Meghalaya HC panel seeks urgent action plan to curb illegal coal mining

The Meghalaya high court's Katakey committee has called for an urgent action plan to tackle illegal coal mining and transportation, as well as a strategy for shutting down and fencing thousands of abandoned rat-hole mine pits. In its 39th Interim Report, the one-man committee expressed alarm that its previous suggestion for a state action plan has yet to be put into effect, despite ongoing threats from illegal mining and unsafe abandoned mine openings.

The Mining and Geology Secretary informed the committee that a draft State Action Plan had already been drafted and awaited final approval, promising to notify it within two weeks. Concerns were raised over the thousands of unsecured abandoned mine openings, which continue to endanger people and livestock. The committee pointed out that restoration detailed project reports for two pilot sites - Sutnga in East Jaintia Hills and Arenggtim in South Garo Hills - did not include interim safety measures such as fencing mine openings, and were still awaiting clearance from the Oversight Committee set up by the National Green Tribunal.

The committee urged Meghalaya to act swiftly without waiting for restoration projects to be implemented, calling for a state policy to close and fence hazardous pits, prioritizing those near villages. Fixed timelines for identifying and securing these sites were also sought. Deputy commissioners have begun consultations with local authorities, including headmen and nokmas, to protect and permanently close mine pits close to settlements.

The committee also recommended the establishment of independent grievance redressal committees at state and district levels, with transparent, technology-driven mechanisms, emergency powers, fixed disposal timelines, and protection for whistleblowers. Additionally, a policy for ex gratia compensation under Article 162 for families affected by illegal mining accidents was recommended, with clear eligibility, compensation amounts, verification procedures, and payment timelines, while allowing for appeals to higher authorities. The matter will return to the Meghalaya High Court for further consideration.