Meghalaya HC Monitor Confirms Ongoing Illegal Coal Mining, Orders Crackdown in East Jaintia Hills

Overview

• The High Court–appointed committee’s 34th interim report confirms illegal coal mining continues in East Jaintia Hills and faults district police for enforcement failures.
• A joint inspection at Lumbangla documented a reinforced mine opening, cranes, tools and 2,112 metric tonnes of dumped coal, alongside conflicting FIR dates and minimal seizures.
• Authorities have been directed to map vulnerable zones, intensify patrols, secure entry and exit points, and file monthly action reports supervised by the deputy commissioner and SP to the chief secretary.
• The panel flagged a 40,554.72 metric tonne shortfall in inventoried coal at CIL depots, ordered a Mining and Geology inquiry within a fortnight, and called fresh auctions under a 120‑day payment and lifting rule after April’s auction drew negligible buyers.
• The state informed the High Court that two illegal coke plants have been demolished with 15 more slated for removal by December 15, and separately reported detecting and seizing 22,122 metric tonnes of coal at the Lumbangla site.