Khliehriat,Feb 7: The East Jaintia Hills district administration has imposed a ban on illegal mining and ordered seizure of machines from icoal mining areas in Thangsko.
In the order issued on Saturday, the DC said that an incident involving an explosion at an illegal coal mine occurred on the morning of February 5 at Mynsngat, Thangsko Village, under Umpleng Police Outpost, East Jaintia Hills District, resulted in loss of human lives and injuries;
“Whereas, the Hon’ble High Court of Meghalaya, in it’s judgement Dated 05.02.26, has taken judicial notice of explosions in three illegal coal mines leading to fatalities and injuries, and has directed the authorities to take immediate, effective, and stringent action against all persons involved in illegal mining activities; Whereas, this office has received credible complaints and reports from local residents and through social media indicating the continuing prevalence of illegal mining and unlawful extraction of minor minerals in the Thangsko area; Whereas, there exists a serious likelihood of obstruction to lawful enforcement by certain individuals or groups during operations against illegal mining activities, including dismantling of machinery, destruction of makeshift camps, sealing of mining sites, and seizure of vehicles and equipment”.
Hence, the DC prohibited and imposed a complete ban on mining activities with immediate effect.
The DC also prohibited assembly or gathering of more than 5 persons in and around illegal mining sites and operation areas at Thangsko except for official engaged in lawful government duties.
Directions for enforcement
1. All Magistrates deployed for enforcement shall exercise strict vigilance and conduct inspectionsthroughout Thangsko areas, and shall:
Seize vehicles, machinery, tools, and equipment used in illegal mining; and initiate appropriate legal proceedings against offenders under the relevant provisions of law, including the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and allied rules.
2. The concerned Magistrates, with police assistance, shall:Identify, apprehend, and cause arrest of mine owners, operators, financiers, and all persons involved in illegal mining activities; and seize and secure all incriminating materials connected with such activities.
Any violation of this order shall attract strict penal action under the relevant provisions of law
Photo caption: Blast site at Mynsngat, Thangsko village (MM)
