Meghalaya failed to comply with SC, NGT on illegal coal mining: Report

A report submitted by Justice (Retd) BP Katakey revealed the failure of authorities in Meghalaya to comply with directions issued by the Supreme Court and the NGT to check illegal coal mining

A preliminary report submitted by Justice (Retd) BP Katakey has revealed the failure of authorities in Meghalaya to comply with directions issued by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to check illegal coal mining.

The preliminary findings in the 41 page report dated May 23, 2022 indicated that except for notifying The Meghalaya Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2022 as recently as March 24, 2022, none of the directions issued by the Hon'ble Supreme Court and the NGT have been complied with by the concerned authorities

In the preliminary findings, the details of the non-compliance have been pointed out. In addition, the report makes recommendations to ensure implementation of the outstanding directions in point form, so that the appropriate agencies can deal with the various aspects.

The report was placed before the full bench of the Meghalaya High Court during the hearing on a PIL here on Tuesday.

Justice BP Katakey has been appointed by the Court to head a committee for recommending the measures to be taken by the state in compliance with the directions issued by the Supreme Court and NGT, including the sale of already extracted coal.

The court said it is a matter of regret that orders passed by the Supreme Court and by the NGT continue to be violated and the directions issued are not implemented and directed that the recommendations made in the preliminary report of May 23, 2022 be immediately taken note of and the relevant matters addressed.

It is made clear that the time for implementation of the outstanding directions will not be counted from today or from the date of institution of the present suo motu proceedings, but from the relevant dates when such directions were issued, it said while directing all relevant authorities should get their acts in order and ensure the complete implementation of the directions within four weeks from date.

The court further directed that Justice Katakey, will continue to monitor the implementation of the recommendations, including the outstanding orders and the directions of the Supreme Court and the NGT.

For such purpose, Justice Katakey will make periodic visits to Shillong, which will be facilitated by the State government. A secretary-level member in the State's civil service should be attached to Justice Katakey to facilitate the monitoring work, it said.

It said that a copy of the preliminary report together with the attendant papers which have been filed will be made over to the Union through the office of Assistant Solicitor-General attached to this Court.

Meanwhile, the court also directed all the authorities to respond individually to indicate to what extent the outstanding directions have been complied with. The next hearing will be held on June 21.