Context: Key Findings of the Report
- Illegal mining persists in six coal-rich districts despite government action.
- Drone videography and volumetric assessment provided fresh evidence of unauthorized mining.
- Seized coal data discrepancies suggest large-scale illegal extraction and potential underreporting.
Relevance : GS 3(Minerals , Mining)
Coal Seizure and Discrepancies
- 2022 Report (State Government Data):
- 92,268.43 MT seized in East Jaintia Hills, South Garo Hills, and West Khasi Hills (May-Aug 2022).
- Private firm recorded an additional 41,477.54 MT in these districts.
- 2025 Report (State Mining & Geology Department Data):
- Total seized coal now 4,10,796.44 MT across six districts:
- New additions: West Jaintia Hills, East Garo Hills, and South West Khasi Hills.
- Increase of 1,69,602.35 MT in three newly reported districts compared to 2022 figures.
- Mismatch in coal figures across districts raises concerns of illicit mining operations.
- Total seized coal now 4,10,796.44 MT across six districts:
Challenges and Recommendations
- Difficult terrain hinders conventional surveillance.
- Drone monitoring suggested for better enforcement.
- Regular patrolling needed to curb ongoing illegal mining activities.
Implications
- Environmental concerns: Unregulated rat-hole mining leads to severe ecological damage.
- Regulatory failure: Discrepancies in coal seizure data indicate possible collusion or inefficiency in enforcement.
- Need for stronger action: More robust monitoring mechanisms and legal interventions required.
