SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Government has launched a major offensive against illegal coal mining, announcing the constitution of a Judicial Inquiry Commission in the wake of the deadly dynamite explosion in Thangsko-Thangskai, East Jaintia Hills.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said the entire investigation would be handed over to the high-level commission once its chairperson is appointed, ensuring a thorough and transparent probe.
“Once the chairman is appointed, we will hand everything over. We want a deep and comprehensive investigation that leaves no stone unturned,” Tynsong told reporters.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining and confirmed that district administrations have been given full authority to take strict action against unauthorised extraction and transportation of coal.
Under the government’s zero-tolerance policy, orders have been issued to immediately shut down all illegal mining sites across affected districts. The state is also preparing to file an affidavit before the Meghalaya High Court within the next 10 days, signalling its commitment to legal accountability.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by enforcement agencies, Tynsong said many illegal mining sites are located deep inside forested and hilly terrain, often three to four hours away from main roads, making surveillance and monitoring difficult.
To strengthen enforcement, the government has announced a major recruitment drive to boost manpower.
Around 3,000 new police personnel are being inducted to enhance ground-level policing and ensure that lack of personnel does not hamper operations. The Deputy Chief Minister also warned that aggressive anti-mining drives would intensify during the ongoing dry season.
He stressed that the administration is fully committed to dismantling illegal mining networks and preventing further tragedies.
