HC panel recommends immediate closure of abandoned coal mines in Meghalaya

The Single Member Committee headed by Justice (Retd) BP Katakey has recommended the urgent need for closure of abandoned coal mines in Meghalaya.

In its 22^nd interim report submitted to the High Court of Meghalaya, the committee said there is need for urgent implementation of the project for closure of abandoned mines by the Mining and Geology Department upon taking urgent steps for preparation of DPR for that purpose.

It has also recommended taking necessary steps by the concerned departments urgently for restoration of environmental damages caused due to coal mining.

According to the committee, sufficient fund in MEPRF, which is about Rs 400 crore, and further amount of more than Rs 100 Crore with the Central Pollution Control Board for implementation of the action plan prepared for restoration of environmental damages caused by the mining activities, is available, more so when the people of the concerned mining areas are still suffering because of the continued Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) from the mine pits which have not so far been closed.

The committee has also recommended extension of further 15 days time to the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District to verify availability and transportation of 70,317.66 MT of re-assessed/re-verified inventoried coal pithead to the CIL designated depot, space for storing of which is available in the depot already designated.

It said appropriate steps have to be taken by the Deputy Commissioners of the districts for early disposal of the applications filed before the appropriate Courts of law seeking permission for disposal of the seized coal by public auction.

The committee further recommended the conduct of drone survey immediately after completion of the transportation of re-assessed/re-verified inventoried coal to the CIL designated depots, so as to find out the availability of further coal illegally mined after imposition of ban by the NGT and for taking required steps including seizure of such coal under the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957.