Shillong, Aug 1:The state government has directed concerned officials to investigate the truth behind the widely mocked claim that 4,000 tonnes of coal may have been washed away into Bangladesh due to heavy rains.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters this today in response to a recent remark by fellow cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla, who had suggested that the discrepancy in the amount of extracted coal Meghalaya is supposed to have and the amount that has been measured now can be explained by the coal running off to Bangladesh. This would conveniently absolve any party of illegally transporting the coal, an accusation levelled at those close to the state government by the opposition and pressure groups regularly.
Shylla, from the coal-rich East Jaintia Hills, was mocked up and down the state and even Parliament for this claim. A senior central leader has reportedly sought a formal response from the Meghalaya government on the matter.
“We will send our reply to the Centre. As for the statement made by our colleague regarding coal being washed away, I have nothing more to add at this stage. We have already asked the concerned district administration to investigate and find out the truth. Once the report is ready, it will also be sent to the government of India,” Tynsong told reporters.
In a separate development, Tynsong also welcomed the suggestion made by Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma to seek the intervention of the Supreme Court to address the long-standing issues related to illegal coal mining and transportation in the state.
“We welcome it. There is nothing to hide. Whether it is the Supreme Court or any other investigating agency, we are open to scrutiny,” he said. Tynsong maintained that the government has consistently taken steps to clamp down on illegal coal-related activities.
“I have said this before, if any illegality in mining, trading, or movement of coal is found, the law must take its course. Instructions have already been issued to all Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and relevant departments to stay vigilant and ensure that illegal activities do not happen,” he added.
Tynsong’s remarks come amid growing pressure on the state government to address not just missing coal stocks, but also the broader concerns over transparency and environmental violations surrounding coal mining in Meghalaya.
