ProMASS News Bureau: Jan 11, 2016:
The National Green Tribunal today pulled up the Meghalaya government saying it was allowing mining in the state under the garb of coal transportation. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said there was rampant illegal coal mining going on in the state despite various prohibitory orders passed by it. On December 23, last year, the tribunal had extended the time for transportation of extracted coal in Meghalaya till May 15. It had, however, said the extension should be treated as a final opportunity to the state government.
During today proceedings, the Meghalaya government told the tribunal that it was taking all steps to ensure that there is no illegal mining and there is proper check on the transportation of coal. The green bench has prohibited mining in the entire state of Meghalaya but allowed transportation of extracted coal kept in the open with due checks and balances.
