Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said, the state government decides to prevent the illegal transportation of coal in Meghalaya, especially in the coal-belt area of East Jaintia Hills (EJH) district.

His statement comes a day after a meeting between Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and several ministers who urged him to take stock of the illegal transportation of coal which is “continuing” in EJH.

“The members of the Cabinet would frequently discuss the illegal movement of trucks and also on the issue of illegal transportation of coal,” Tynsong told reporters.

He further said that the state government is against any illegal activity, adding that it has taken preventive measures in this regard.

On being asked whether the illegal transportation of coal is affecting the image of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, Tynsong said that it is the job of the state government to make sure that no illegalities take place.

“We are firm right from the start that no illegality will take place,” he said.

He further informed that the state government had instructed the concerned departments, Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police (SPs) of different districts to monitor the issue.