TMC Leader Mukul Sangma Slams Meghalaya Govt for Enabling Illegal Coal Mining Despite NGT Ban

His remarks come amid growing concerns over illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, despite existing judicial directives and regulatory measures.

TMC leader and Meghalaya’s Leader of Opposition, Mukul Sangma, has launched a sharp attack on the state government, accusing it of enabling illegal coal mining despite judicial directives. He alleged that authorities, including the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), have failed to enforce the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) ban, allowing large-scale violations to continue unchecked.

Speaking on the issue, Mukul Sangma said, “These issues of illegalities pertaining to the coal mining has been reflected in the various reports of the panel, headed by retired judge B. P. Katakey. It is available for everyone. Based on that the government has to take cognizance of these issues and rectify everything. But, if the authorities fail to take cognizance of the issue, they must be held accountable, it’s as simple as that,” said Sangma.

“The prolonged continuation of illegal coal mining, as if it were to go on indefinitely, could not happen without the patronage of the concerned authorities. There is also complicity, even within Coal India,” he added.

Raising concerns over the implementation of scientific coal mining in the state, he warned that it must be closely monitored to prevent misuse.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, despite existing judicial directives and regulatory measures.

He emphasised the need to ensure that scientific mining, which has undergone extensive procedural approvals, does not become a tool to facilitate illegal mining.

“We have to see whether scientific coal mining, which has gone through all the necessary procedures to ultimately reach this level, is being weaponized to facilitate illegal mining,” said Sangma.

He further stressed that strict oversight is essential, as the matter directly impacts the interests of both the state and its people.

Sangma called for transparency and accountability in the mining sector to prevent any loopholes that could lead to illegal activities under the guise of scientific mining.

“This is an issue that must remain under close watch. And we need to do that because, as I said, it revolves around the interests of the state. It revolves around the interests of the people,” he added.

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