Meghalaya Launches Probe into Missing Coal from Depots

Rapid Summary

• The Meghalaya government has launched an inquiry into the disappearance of 3,960.95 metric tonnes of coal from two designated depots in Diengngan and Rajaju villages, located in Ri-Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts.
• Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong revealed that district authorities, including Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, were directed to probe the incident.
• A report by Justice (retired) B.P. Katakey Committee submitted to the High Court of Meghalaya identified theft or diversion as potential causes for the missing coal that had been declared extracted and inventoried by officials.
• The committee was appointed by the High Court to examine illegal mining and transportation activities related to coal after a National Green Tribunal ban on rat-hole mining in 2014.
• State Excise Minister Kyrmen Shylla suggested that rain might have washed away some of the stored coal.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The disappearance of nearly 4,000 metric tonnes of coal highlights ongoing concerns regarding governance and enforcement issues in parts of Meghalaya’s natural resource sector. This raises questions about accountability in monitoring storage sites despite inventory declarations meant to prevent theft or illegal diversion. Given ancient challenges around curbing illicit mining practices since the rat-hole mining ban in 2014, this advancement could push for stricter regulatory oversight.

While rain washing away meaningful amounts is plausible but contentious given such large quantities being stored at designated depots, further investigations are essential for clarity. This case also underscores broader implications for environmental management practices associated with resource extraction industries-both from economic efficiency as well sustainability lens perspectives within states reliant upon rich reserves ..off.

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