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Meghalaya HC panel seeks urgent action plan to curb illegal coal mining
The Meghalaya HC-appointed Justice BP Katakey committee urged the state to notify an action plan against illegal coal mining and fence abandoned rat-hole pits.
The Meghalaya high court-appointed justice BP Katakey committee has urged the state government to urgently notify a comprehensive action plan to curb illegal coal mining and transportation and formulate a policy for the closure and fencing of thousands of abandoned rat-hole mine pits.
In its 39th Interim Report filed before the high court on Thursday, the one-man committee expressed concern that its earlier recommendation for a state action plan was yet to be implemented despite the continuing threat posed by illegal mining and unsecured abandoned mine openings.
The panel said immediate notification of the plan was essential to strengthen prevention, detection and enforcement against illegal mining.
The Mining and Geology Secretary, at a meeting on June 29, informed the committee that a draft State Action Plan had already been prepared and was awaiting final approval. “The comprehensive plan of action would be notified within 2 (two) weeks’ time,” the Secretary assured the committee.
The panel also raised serious concerns over the thousands of abandoned mine openings that remain unsecured, posing a continuing danger to people and livestock.
It noted that the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Ltd (CMPDIL) had prepared restoration detailed project reports (DPRs) for two pilot sites — Sutnga in East Jaiñtia Hills, estimated at ₹92.78 lakh, and Arenggtim in South Garo Hills, at ₹63 lakh.
However, the committee pointed out that the proposals did not include interim safety arrangements pending implementation. “The aforesaid two project proposals… do not have any proposal for taking of adequate measures, including fencing of the mine openings, to prevent danger to human life and livestock till implementation,” the report said.
The two proposals are currently awaiting clearance from the Oversight Committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Katakey said Meghalaya could not afford to wait for restoration projects to be implemented before securing dangerous mine openings. He called for an immediate state policy for closure and fencing of hazardous pits, with priority given to abandoned mines located close to villages and other habitations.
Katakey also sought fixed timelines for identifying and securing such sites, given their large numbers across the state.
Following earlier directions from the panel, deputy commissioners have begun consultations with traditional authorities. Officials in East Jaiñtia Hills and South Garo Hills have consulted headmen and nokmas on measures to protect and permanently close mine pits near settlements.
At the June 29 meeting, the deputy commissioners of South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, West Jaiñtia Hills and East Jaiñtia Hills committed to submit final proposals to the Mining Department within 10 days, while South Garo Hills sought 15 days.
Beyond enforcement and mine safety, the committee recommended setting up independent grievance redressal committees at both state and district levels to receive complaints of illegal mining.
It proposed a transparent, technology-driven mechanism with emergency powers, fixed disposal timelines and protection for whistleblowers.
The panel also recommended that the government frame an ex gratia policy under Article 162 for families of persons killed or injured in illegal mining accidents.
The policy, it said, should clearly prescribe eligibility, compensation amounts, verification procedures and payment timelines, while allowing the government to recover the compensation from mine owners, landowners and operators.
“A provision for appeal by the aggrieved person to the higher authority may also be made,” the report said.
The matter will now return before the Meghalaya High Court for further consideration.
