UMTHE, EAST JAINTIA HILLS: In a major crackdown on unlawful mining activities, the East Jaintia Hills Police conducted a successful raid on an illegally operating coal mine in the Umthe area under the jurisdiction of Umpleng Police Outpost on Wednesday.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs gathered through drone surveillance, police officials detected one coal mine actively operating in violation of environmental and mining regulations. During the operation, nine labourers were found engaged in illegal coal extraction at the site.
Authorities seized approximately 55 metric tonnes (MT) of illegally extracted coal from the site. The seizure was carried out in the presence of an Executive Magistrate, ensuring due legal procedure was followed.
All nine individuals present at the site were apprehended and taken into custody for further legal action under relevant provisions of law. An FIR has been registered, and investigation is currently underway to identify those responsible for financing and operating the illegal mining activity.
The raid was conducted in strict adherence to the prohibition imposed by the National Green Tribunal on illegal coal mining and transportation. The operation also aligns with directives issued by the High Court of Meghalaya, mandating stringent enforcement against unlawful mining practices in the state.
Reaffirming its commitment to environmental protection and rule of law, East Jaintia Hills Police SP Pankaj Kumar Rasgania emphasized a zero tolerance approach toward illegal coal mining in the district. Authorities stated that further action will be taken against the masterminds and financiers behind such unlawful operations.
Officials have reiterated that continuous surveillance, including the use of advanced drone technology, will be deployed to curb illegal mining activities across vulnerable areas of Meghalaya.
