Between 2019 to 2021, around 254 cases of illegal coal mining and transportation have been filed by the state government. This nullifies the claim by the Centre that no illegal coal mining activities took place in Meghalaya.

Out of 254 cases, 146 charge-sheets were filed and investigation in 95 others was on.

According to the data, police filed 199 cases, 15 by the district magistrates, 22 by public, Directorate of Mineral Resources officials filed 13 and a district transport officer filed 1.  All these cases were filed under the Mines and Minerals Development Regulation (MMDR) Act.

An officer said, “We are holding regular meetings and efforts are on to curb illegal coal mining and transportation”.

Strict orders have been issued for compliance of the National Green Tribunal’s orders. The deputy commissioners and the superintendents of police of the districts were ordered to intensify patrolling in the coal belts.

The official said, “Instruction has also been given to take strict legal action under the provision of the MMDR Act if anyone is caught indulging in illegal coal mining and transportation activity”.

In Rajya Sabha, the Narendra Modi government refused any illegal coal mining in Meghalaya or any serious revenue loss to the hill state. However, the BJP state unit has made claims on the other hand.