The Justice Katakey committee, in its 26th interim report, has recommended the state government use aerial surveys to find out the extent of illegal coal mining.
An aerial survey would help identify where illegally mined coal is being stored outside designated depots and help the process of sealing illegal mine openings. The committee also recommended the urgent implementation of approved schemes for miners to enable them to have an alternative source of livelihood.
According to the committee, there are thousands of mine openings and in East Jaintia Hills, with more than 22,000 found by the North Eastern Science Application Centre (NESAC), in respect of which the Committee has already submitted an interim report before the courts), either abandoned or active or which can be activated within a very short time, having regard to the importance of closure of such mine openings, which is required to prevent further illegal coal mining activities including mining and transportation.
The committee also recommended the urgent implementation of approved schemes prepared by the state government to offer alternative sources of livelihood to coal miners and thereby encourage them to give up illegal coal mining.
