The Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) has been engaged to carry out aerial survey to locate illegal coal mining, sale, and transportation, as well as identify coal stored outside designated depots and coal already seized under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
This was noted by the High Court division bench of Justice Hamarsan Sing Thangkhiew and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh during a hearing of the status report to the recommendations made in the 26th interim report submitted by Justice (Retd.) B.P. Katakey Committee.
The court said certain progress has been made especially with the drone survey and steps that have been taken for the closure of the opening abandoned mines, and the manner in which the seized and auction process of coal is being carried out.
Advocate General Amit Kumar, representing the state submitted that the financial outlay and approval has been accorded by the Oversight Committee and Garuda UAV Soft Solutions has been engaged to conduct the survey and work orders are being issued to them for an area of 769.7 sq. kms.
According to the report submitted before the court the financial approval is Rs 7.26 crore, but the exact time for the completion of the survey has not been shown except that the initial survey is to be completed by the end of January, 2025.
The Advocate General said that the specific timeline required will be obtained from the agency and placed before the court.
On the closure of openings of abandoned coal mines, it is reported that the work has been assigned to the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) and an area in Sutnga, East Jaintia Hills district and Agremgittim, South Garo Hills district have been identified as pilot projects, though the estimated time for completion has not been provided.
It was also reported to the court that once the survey and analysis work is completed the data computed will be provided to the CMPDIL for finalisation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for recommendations with regard to specific technical measures required for mine closure and allied activities.
“Since the same is a matter of concern, it is expected that the State respondent take up the matter on a priority basis, especially in view of the winter season, where illegal mining activities might take place and the abandoned coal mines reactivated,” the court said.
On the complaints of illegal transportation and compliance with the SOP for transportation of coal originating from outside the State, the High Court said the complaint by one Krishan dated October 14, 2024, has been closed since he never appeared before the committee to substantiate the allegations raised.
As per the report submitted to the court an administrative inquiry revealed that the Mining and Geology Department had issued valid transport permissions for a specified quantity to one George Marak. Directions have been issued to mention the quantity, in all communications to ensure no confusion is created as to the compliance with the SOP for transport of coal coming from outside.
In another complaint by one Sanjay R. Marak on September 12, 2024, it is stated that the Deputy Commissioner, South Garo Hills District has been instructed to submit the final report relating to the allegations.
“The report, it appears, is still awaited. The report does not show when the instructions were given to the Deputy Commissioner. It is also stated that the State Government has also since issued the modified SOP on November 5, 2024 after incorporating suggestions made by the Justice Katakey Committee, and that the same has been issued to all the Deputy Commissioners for strict compliance,” the court added.
On the complaint of one Regeenal Shylla dated October 31, 2024, the court stated that it appears that the same is under inquiry with the final report still to be submitted. It is expected that the final report be submitted positively before the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the High Court noted that that orders have been issued to all the deputy commissioners to immediately put up seized coal for auction.
According to report submitted, shifting of seized coal to centralized depots was issued on December 9, 2024 and that further auction of re-verified, re-assessed and re-inventoried coal, the State government is still awaiting details of the coal available at present, which went unsold during the previous auctions conducted, as also information with regard to the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) which has been forfeited due to non-payment of the balance auction bid amount.
The court was informed that once the details are received, the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation/Coal India will be intimated to conduct necessary auction.
The report also touched upon the nature of schemes and the implementation for alternative sources of livelihood for the coal miners, and that the Oversight Committee has decided to grant approval in-principle, to certain projects.
Pointing out that no headway has been made to set up integrated check-gates in Borsona, Cherragaon and Bagli the court said, “It is expected that the State respondent fast track the process, notwithstanding the hurdles as stated in the report with regard to land acquisition or lease of land for setting up of the said integrated check-gates.”
Meanwhile, the court also stated that though it is going into recess the State government should ensure that it complies with the recommendations and Justice Katakey Committee should also be apprised.
The court also directed payment of Rs 3.5 lakh to Justice Katakey after his remuneration was not extended after September 17, 2024.
The next hearing into the matter will be held on February 10, 2025.
