Shillong, Feb 9: The West Jaintia Hills district administration has imposed a ban on rat-hole coal mining and tightened restrictions on coal transportation due to concerns over illegal mining activities.
The order, issued on February 6, prohibits mining and transportation without valid permits, citing threats to human life and environmental degradation.
Violations will attract penal action under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
The move follows the National Green Tribunal’s 2014 ban on rat-hole mining, which has repeatedly led to fatal accidents. The order is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice.
