Meghalaya High Court Asks State To Devise Schemes, Provide Alternate Livelihoods To Wean Out People Indulging In Rat-Hole Mining

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee, Justice H. S. Thangkhiew Hon’ble and Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh while commenting on the lack of alternate livelihood of the people in mining areas recorded,

"It is almost a social malaise. People who have been involved in such forms of mining for a long period of time have to be weaned out and for such purpose, the State has to devise schemes and provide alternative forms of livelihood," the bench added while projecting the role of awareness and education in order to arrest the menance.

The directions to this effect came to passed while hearing a suo motu PIL in order to tackle the illegal mining of coal in the State.

In pursuance to the orders of the Court passed on the last date of hearing the Deputy Solicitor-General told the court that the role of the Central Industrial Security Force is to guard installations and buildings and not really do police work.

He however, submitted that the Central Reserve Police Force is available to augment the policing duty ordinarily undertaken by the State police, further adding that companies and battalions of the said force are available both in Shillong and in Guwahati if need arises.

Observing that the State, which has thus far been ineffective in either implementing the ban or in checking illegal transportation, be given a lesser role in the further monitoring, the court added that the CRPF can have a more aggressive role in such regard.

"The State will indicate the ideal number of companies of (capf) personnel necessary to effectively monitor and check the prohibition on unscientific mining of coal, including rat-hole mining, and the transportation of the recently illegally mined coal," the bench said.

The High Court also directed the Meghalaya Government to indicate the number of central armed police force personnel it requires to effectively monitor and check illegal mining and transportation of coal in the State.

Keeping alive the contempt rule against the SP of East Jaintia Hills district, the court dispensed his personal presence as he is required to be on the ground, particularly during the election season.

"The Superintendent of Police will next be required to be in court when specifically called for, or else, the reply sought for him will suffice for the moment," the court added.

The bench listed the PIL again on February 28 for further consideration.

Case Title: In Re suo motu illegal mining of coal in the State of Meghalaya Vs State of Meghalaya

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