SHILLONG, MAY 14: Meghalaya Director General of Police (DGP) Peter James Pyngrope Hanaman said that the police is implementing the National Green Tribunal (NGT) interim order of blanket ban on rat-hole-mining and transportation of coal in the state in “letter” and “spirit” with immediate effect till the order is reviewed.
Hanaman told reporters on Wednesday that to ensure no one violates the order, prohibitory orders under 144 CrPC, 133 CrPC and 188 IPC will be imposed and warned, “If anybody violates the order legal action will be initiated against the violators.”
Hanaman said that instructions to all districts SPs have been issued besides coordinating with the deputy commissioners, respective line departments including district council to ensure that the NGT order is adhered in letter and spirit.
Even as Hanaman said that the ban against mining and transportation of coal is going to affect the livelihood of many, he, however, reiterated that as the NGT has thrown the ball in the police court for ensuring that everybody follows it order, the police department will see that the order is strictly followed.
On April 17, the NGT order directed the state chief secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure that rat-hole mining/illegal mining is stopped ‘forthwith’ throughout the state and ensure that illegal transport of coal shall not take place until the tribunal pass further orders.
The order came after the All Dimasa Students’ Union moved the tribunal on April 2, blaming the illegal rat-hole mining in Jaintia Hills for polluting the Kopili River and turning its water into acidic.
Hanaman said, “Since the DGP is also a respondent in the order, we have no other option but to comply with the NGT order forthwith.” He said the police department will be filing its affidavit before the NGT in New Delhi on Thursday.
Informing that department had officially received the certified copy of the NGT only on May 9, Hanaman, however, said the police department had on April 25 communicated to all SPs on the need to take all logistics required for implementation of the order. He said, “We will use the available force to the best extent possible.”
Meanwhile, certain quarters have raise concern that the implication of the NGT order might lead to a law and order scenario in the state including increase in crime rates. Responding to this apprehension, Hanaman said, “We will need to put some mechanism in place to ensure the crime rate remain under controlled.
Hanaman informed police are also assessing the situation and necessary directions were also given to the SPs on this issue.- By Our Reporter
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