Shillong, May 8: The panel headed by Justice (Retd) BP Katakey has sought for closure of abandoned coal mines in Meghalaya.
In the 22nd interim report submitted to the High Court of Meghalaya, Katakey said there is a need for urgent implementation of the project for closure of abandoned mines by the Mining and Geology Department upon taking urgent steps for preparation of DPR for the same.
It has also recommended taking necessary steps by the concerned departments urgently for restoration of environmental damages caused due to coal mining.
The committee has also recommended extension of further 15 days time to the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District to verify availability and transportation of 70,317.66 MT of re-assessed/re-verified inventoried coal pithead to the CIL designated depot, space for storing of which is available in the depot already designated.
The committee wanted the conduct of drone survey immediately after completion of the transportation of re-assessed/re-verified inventoried coal to the CIL designated depots, so as to find out the availability of further coal illegally mined after imposition of ban by the NGT and for taking required steps including seizure of such coal under the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957.
