A staggering 4,000 tonnes of coal have mysteriously vanished from Rajaju and Diengngan villages in Meghalaya, prompting the state’s High Court to demand accountability from the government. The court has ordered swift action against officials responsible for overseeing the coal, which disappeared under unclear circumstances, raising questions about whether natural forces or illegal activities are to blame.

Excise Minister Kyrmen Shylla, addressing the controversy, suggested that Meghalaya’s torrential rainfall—one of the highest in the world—might have swept the coal away. "You never know... because of rain, the coal might have washed off. Chances are very high," Shylla told reporters on Monday. However, he was quick to clarify that he wasn’t definitively attributing the loss to rain, admitting, "I cannot blame just the rain. It could be or it could not be. I really don’t have details yet." The minister emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the disappearance was due to natural causes or illicit activities like theft or unauthorized mining.

The High Court’s ire was evident during its July 25 hearing, where it lambasted the state government for its failure to prevent the coal’s disappearance. The court has directed authorities to identify and penalize those responsible for what appears to be a significant lapse in oversight. This incident has reignited concerns about illegal coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya, a state long plagued by unregulated mining practices.

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a ban on coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya in 2014, citing severe environmental damage and safety hazards. The ban was largely in response to the dangerous "rat-hole" mining technique, a crude method involving narrow tunnels that has led to environmental degradation, water contamination, and numerous fatalities, particularly in the East Jaintia Hills. Despite the ban, allegations of illegal mining persist, with local communities reportedly engaging in such activities for survival.

Shylla acknowledged these challenges, noting that "if it is for survival, some people might do it illegally." However, he stressed the importance of adhering to legal frameworks and called for concrete evidence to substantiate claims of ongoing illegal mining. Multiple departments, including the police and mining authorities, are tasked with monitoring and curbing such activities, but enforcement remains a challenge in the rugged terrains of Meghalaya.

In a bid to address these issues, the state government recently announced plans for scientific mining, a move aimed at balancing economic needs with environmental sustainability. Shylla expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, "We are happy to welcome it, and we want to see the light of day with this. I believe our people will not do anything to give the court or law a chance to point fingers at us."

Adding to the region’s challenges, residents have raised concerns about dust and debris from ongoing construction along National Highway 6 in East Jaintia Hills. Shylla defended the project, saying, "I appreciate this government for the initiative. For now, it is difficult, but once completed, we will enjoy the benefits." The highway upgrades are expected to boost connectivity and economic prospects in the region, but locals remain frustrated by the immediate disruptions.

As investigations into the missing coal continue, the incident underscores the broader issues of governance, environmental protection, and economic survival in Meghalaya. With the High Court’s directive in place, all eyes are on the state government to deliver answers and ensure such lapses do not recur.

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