A committee led by Justice (Retd) B.P. Katakey has established a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for vehicles transporting coal into Meghalaya from outside the state. According to the new guidelines, transporters must provide all necessary documents detailing the origin, destination, and purpose of the coal they are transporting.
Justice Katakey informed the press that vehicles must present legal documents at entry points, specifying where the coal originated and where it will be delivered. Any deviation from designated routes will result in confiscation of both the coal and vehicle, with the coal being classified as illegally mined.
Transporters are also required to submit an affidavit agreeing to comply strictly with these regulations and must obtain permits from the Mining Department seven days in advance. In cases of vehicle breakdowns, immediate police notification is mandatory for swift clearance.
Addressing coal used by cement factories, Justice Katakey ordered an investigation into claims that illegally mined coal is being used. The committee has advised the state government to ensure that all coal procured by these factories follows legal requirements, sourced either from outside the state or through legal auctions within Meghalaya, as mandated by the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT).
