Spotlight on illegal coal trade in Meghalaya after truck accident

Recent truck accident in Meghalaya has reignited discussions about illegal coal mining and transportation in the state. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a ban on hazardous rat-hole coal mining in April 2014, and the Supreme Court upheld the ban while permitting scientific mining under strict regulatory compliance. However, several accidents and associated deaths have pointed towards rampant illegal coal mining activities.

The Justice (retired) B.P. Katakey Committee, appointed by the High Court, recently submitted its 40th Interim Report to the High Court, requesting a detailed investigation into the legality of coal transported in a truck that crashed near Shillong on August 24. The committee found that the vehicle did not possess the mandatory Mineral Transport Challan, issued by the Directorate of Mineral Resources.

According to the police, the truck operator claimed the coal was auctioned and belonged to a successful bidder for 8,338.374 metric tonnes of coal, while also presenting a photocopy of a Mineral Transport Challan for another vehicle, stating it was replaced after a breakdown.

The committee criticized the authorities for not enforcing Standard Operating Procedures for the transportation of auctioned coal. It demanded a probe to ascertain the origin of the transported coal and requested the police to submit a status report within two weeks from September 4. The committee also inquired why authorities have not confiscated 92 pieces of equipment and 62 vehicles in illegal coal trade cases registered between 2023 and August 2026.

The report further highlighted the absence of action against landowners and mine owners, despite four cases being registered in the East Jaintia Hills district.