The report also said that technical and logistical support should be provided to seal the entrances to these mines by explosives to prevent reactivation.
A committee constituted by the Meghalaya High Court has recommended the use of explosives to blow up the entrances to illegal coal mines in the South West Khasi Hills district, as they are concerned that it is difficult for authorities to ensure that they remain closed because These may be closed soon. The Justice B.P. Kateki Committee made this recommendation in its 25th interim report after district authorities raised concerns about the difficulty in regularly inspecting and monitoring the mines, as there are innumerable abandoned coal mines, some of which are rarely maintained. Can be activated easily in time.
The report also said that technical and logistical support should be provided to seal the entrances to these mines by explosives to prevent reactivation. A bench of Justices W Diengdoh and HS Thangkhiew said in its order after Monday’s proceedings, in which state counsel General Amit Kumar informed the court about the action taken on the 24th and 25th interim reports of the committee.
Justice Kateki (Retd) was initially appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2019 to assess the environmental impact of coal mining in Meghalaya and recommend measures to restore the environment damaged by illegal mining activities.