2,000 cases filed

SHILLONG, NOV 9: Over 2,000 cases have been filed against illegal mining and transportation of coal during the past five years even as the state government has invoked provisions of The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to ensure those who get caught in the act be jailed for five years along with fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.

Replying to a query raised by Mawphlang MLA, SK Sunn in the Assembly on Monday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said incidents of illegal mining and transportation of coal is a situation the state has been facing since 2014.

“Since 2018 (till date), 400 cases have been filed against illegal mining and transportation of coal. We can see that almost 2,000 cases have been filed in the past five years regarding this entire situation,” Sangma said.

On the steps taken by the government to stop such illegal activities, the chief minister said the state government has implemented section 21 (4) of the MMDR Act, which was not done in the past.

According to him, earlier only provisions that were there were under the CrPC Act, which if individuals happen to get caught, and small fines will be put in thereby there were not a lot of deterrent.

“When we took over the government, we invoked section 21 (4) of the MMDR Act as this will ensure if anybody is caught in illegal mining or transportation, (they) will be jailed for a period of 5 years maximum and fine of Rs 5 lakh,” he said.

The chief minister also informed that joint patrolling teams from transport, mining and police departments have also started in different locations, to ensure that there is a coordinated effort by the administration and by the government to make sure there are no such activities taking place.

By Our Reporter