The Meghalaya High Court in the case In Re: (Suo motu): Illegal Mining of coal in the State of Meghalaya observed and has emphasized the need for the State government in order to provide an alternative source of livelihood to the individuals who in the matter have been affected by cessation of mining activities in the State.
The bench comprising of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee, Justice H. S. Thangkhiew and Justice W Diengdoh in the case observed and remarks were made wherein it has been submitted that the due to sudden stoppage of mining activities, thus, people were forced to continue with it despite od the said prohibition.
In the present case, the said court was hearing the suo motu PIL on the issue raised. Therefore, it has also been criticized by the State on several occasions previously for its deliberate inaction in order to curb the menace.
The court in the case observed and has noted that effective steps have now been taken which needs to be initiated for demolishing the illegally-established or the illegally-operating coke plants.
It has also been submitted before the court that the State’s effort commenced towards the scientific mining of coal and suggested it to encourage the formation of cooperative bodies among small miners.
The court also stated for filing a fresh report on the progress made in dealing with illegal mining, the transportation of illegally-mined coal, and for the operation of illegal coke plants through the Secretary in the Mining Department.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter to be next heard on August 8, 2023.