Justice (Retd) B.P. Katakey, appointed by the Meghalaya High Court, reported that approximately 22,000 coal mines exist in East Jaintia Hills alone, making it the district with the highest coal extraction in Meghalaya. Speaking to the media, Justice Katakey estimated around 30,000 coal mines statewide, all of which are mandated for closure under a Supreme Court directive.
Justice Katakey expressed concerns over illegal mining activities recently detected in South West Khasi Hills, urging immediate government action following orders from the High Court. Although the Supreme Court allows scientific methods of coal mining, traditional methods remain banned due to their risks to human safety and environmental impact, particularly water pollution and land degradation.
