The Meghalaya government has submitted its report to the High Court regarding the rampant illegal mining in the State.
It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya High Court had filed a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) on illegal mining in the State. The matter is being taken up by the division bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh.
During hearing of the PIL today, S Sen who was appointed as Amicus Curiae by the High Court informed the bench that the report filed by the State government has been received late last evening. He also sought an adjournment. The court has listed the matter for hearing on February 23.
It may be recalled that on December 10, 2021, Sen had told the High Court that there is rampant illegal mining all over the State, but little action had been taken by the State in this regard.
The High Court observed that there has to be a political will to curb and altogether stop illegal mining. It also directed the State government to file a report through the Chief Secretary on the measures which have been adopted to stop illegal mining.
The High Court also directed that copies of this order must be served to all the Deputy Commissioners so that they can ascertain from any person undertaking mining activities in the relevant districts as to the authority therefore and the adherence to the conditions of the mining licenses, if any, which may be granted.
“The slightest suspicion that any person is functioning without a license or in excess of the areas or conditions specified in the license should prompt the DC to take immediate appropriate steps, including initiating criminal action against the persons concerned,” the High Court had said during the hearing on December 10, 2021.
The High Court had also directed that the entire matter should be monitored by the Chief Secretary who also should filed a detailed report indicating the action which has been taken.
The court said that it will be open to the Chief Secretary to obtain any information of illegal mining activities from the Amicus Curiae appointed in this matter since he has undertaken some visits to locations where it is perceived that illegal mining activities are conducted.
