A decade after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) outlawed the hazardous practice of rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya, a shocking truth has come to light.
A report submitted to the Meghalaya High Court by a one-man committee reveals that not a single one of the estimated 26,000 abandoned rat-hole mines in East Jaintia Hills has been shut down.
This environmental time bomb continues to pose a serious threat to human life and livestock.
The report, authored by former judge BK Katakey, paints a grim picture of the state's ongoing struggle to enforce the NGT ban.
It exposes a web of bureaucratic inertia, insufficient action, and lingering environmental damage.
The report emphasises the urgency of closing these abandoned mines. Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow, precariously constructed tunnels just large enough for a single person to enter.
These tunnels become deadly deathtraps, prone to collapses and suffocation.
The report warns that until these mines are properly sealed, they endanger not just those who might venture near them, but also livestock grazing in the vicinity.
The committee highlights the lack of progress in formulating a comprehensive plan for mine closure. The report states that the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) is still in the initial stages of preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) – a crucial first step for mine closure.
This bureaucratic delay raises serious concerns about the state government's commitment to dismantling these dangerous mines.
Furthermore, the report exposes the vast scale of the problem. While the committee focused on East Jaintia Hills, it acknowledges that the issue extends to other districts like West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, and South Garo Hills, where coal mining remains rampant.
The true number of abandoned mines across the state could be significantly higher than the estimated 26,000.
The report proposes an interim solution – fencing off the mine openings to prevent accidental entry. While a pragmatic measure, it underscores the urgency for a permanent solution.
The financial resources to address this crisis seemingly exist. The Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF) reportedly holds around Rs 400 crore.
However, the committee expresses disappointment at the lack of progress in utilising these funds for environmental restoration projects. The report highlights that only a few projects have been sanctioned, and even those haven't undergone proper auditing.
The report further exposes the plight of communities residing near these abandoned mines. They continue to suffer from the devastating effects of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) – the outflow of acidic water from the unsealed mines. This acidic water contaminates water sources and disrupts the local ecosystem.
The report also sheds light on the ongoing problem of illegal coal transportation. Despite the NGT ban, the Meghalaya Police have registered 402 cases between July 2019 and February 2024.
However, the investigations into a significant portion of these cases (65 out of 402) remain pending. The report raises similar concerns regarding the investigation status of illegal extraction cases (50 out of 83 pending). The committee has directed the Meghalaya Police to provide a detailed explanation for these delays within two weeks.
The NGT ban, upheld by the Supreme Court, permits the transportation of a limited amount of pre-existing coal stocks. However, the continued presence of thousands of unsealed mines creates a breeding ground for further illegal activity.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of this environmental catastrophe. Several lives have already been tragically lost in these mines over the past decade.
Meghalaya's coal industry was once a significant revenue source, generating an estimated Rs 700 crore annually. However, the report underscores the need to prioritize environmental protection and public safety over short-term economic gains.
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