The Centre for Environment Protection and Rural Development (CEPARD) Tura has written to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to complain about allegedly illegal coal mining at Olwang Peak on Rongsu Agal Aking land in South Garo Hills, just 2km from Balpakram National Park (BNP).
These activities are being carried out in direct violation of environmental laws and NGT orders and CEPARD named two individuals among those it accused of the act.
“Despite the NGT’s ban on unscientific coal mining in Meghalaya, illegal operations persist, leading to severe deforestation, land degradation and pollution of vital water sources like the Rongkai and Rongri Rivers,” CEPARD CEO Cherian G Momin and President Samgar R Sangma said. “Additionally, unauthorised roadways have been constructed via the Kalu area to facilitate coal transportation.”
Geo-tagged photographs were submitted along with the letter to the NGT.
