The state government is still in the process of collecting detailed information on illegal coal mining across various locations in Meghalaya. However, officials admit they are facing difficulties since most of these mining sites are located in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Government spokesperson and Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh said that the state is following the directives of the Meghalaya High Court regarding coal-related matters. He added that the government is also working towards beginning scientific coal mining in the coming years.
“While illegal mining and trading of coal cannot be ruled out completely, the government is still gathering accurate data on the extent of such activities,” he stated.
He further said that the recent approval of scientific coal mining methods is part of the government’s larger goal to completely eliminate illegal coal mining in the state.
