The Judicial Commission of Inquiry constituted to investigate illegal coal mining in Meghalaya following the devastating mine blast at Mynsngat–Thangsko on February 5 has been given an expanded mandate. The commission will now also examine the nexus between the demand and supply of illegally mined coal in the state.
Apart from probing the causes behind the incident, the commission has been directed to study the roles played by individuals, government authorities and non-state actors, including NGOs, in facilitating or enabling illegal coal mining. It will also recommend stronger institutional mechanisms, identify ways to fix accountability and suggest preventive measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
The addendum to the original notification constituting the Commission of Inquiry into the tragic coal mine explosion at Mynsngat–Thangsko village in Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills district, was issued recently.
The commission is headed by retired Justice R.S. Chauhan and includes former IPS officer H. Nongpluh and former IAS officer P.S. Dkhar as members.
Separately, the Office of the Director General of Police has nominated Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) D.N.R. Marak to head a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT has been formed to investigate cases of illegal coal mining in accordance with directives issued by the Meghalaya High Court.
Meanwhile, during a hearing on a related Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Thursday, the Meghalaya High Court directed the state respondents to provide additional details on several aspects highlighted in the Thirty-Fifth Interim Report of the Justice (retd) B.P. Katakey Committee.
The court observed that there is a need to examine the supply and demand dynamics that continue to drive illegal mining activities in the state. It also stressed the importance of investigating the transportation network and the possible involvement of transport officials, police personnel and other entities linked to the illegal coal trade.
The bench noted that illegal extraction continues largely because of profitable demand and the substantial investments involved and emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry to address these systemic issues.
