SHILLONG — Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has declined to comment specifically on a High Court-appointed committee’s finding that more than 13 lakh metric tonnes of inventoried coal in Meghalaya remain unaccounted for, saying he needs to examine the report and obtain the relevant data first.
The 41st interim report of the committee headed by retired Justice B.P. Katakey puts the shortfall at 13,02,456.184 metric tonnes. The state had reported 32,56,715 metric tonnes of extracted coal as available, but physical verification by district authorities found only 19,54,258.816 metric tonnes. The committee has called for a detailed inquiry to establish responsibility for the discrepancy.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, October 13, Sangma said it would not be appropriate to respond to specific findings before reviewing the report. He also declined to give a direct explanation for the shortage or its possible implications for government revenue.
The coal discrepancy is only one of several unresolved issues raised in the committee’s continuing scrutiny of illegal mining and compliance with court directions. Its report noted that abandoned rat-hole mine openings had still not been closed, sealed or permanently fenced despite repeated directions. The committee has also raised concerns over the delay in implementing mine-reclamation projects.
On mine closure, Sangma said pilot projects were being processed and the government expected to secure the necessary clearances soon. He distinguished the proposed closure work from fencing, indicating that fencing might not proceed in the same manner.
The Chief Minister also said the process of utilising the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF) was under way, but procedures imposed by the Centre and the courts had complicated the release and use of money.
