Shillong, July 29: A controversy has erupted in Meghalaya after nearly 4,000 metric tonnes of coal were reported missing from two government-monitored depots, with Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla suggesting that heavy rainfall may have caused the disappearance.
The issue came to light following the submission of the 31st interim report by the Justice (Retd.) BP Katakey committee to the Meghalaya High Court last week. The missing coal, which was previously recorded at depots in Ri-Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts, has sparked widespread concern and judicial scrutiny.
Responding to the findings, Shylla—who is also the United Democratic Party (UDP) MLA from Khliehriat—said that Meghalaya receives one of the highest amounts of rainfall in the country and speculated that torrential rains might have washed away the coal. He drew parallels to recent reports suggesting that heavy rainfall in Meghalaya had caused flooding in neighboring Assam.
Shylla further stated that he was unaware of any illegal coal mining activities in the state, noting that responsibility for monitoring and verification lies with the relevant departments. “Local people never indulge in illegal activities unless it is a matter of their survival,” he said.
According to records from the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), a total of 1,839.03 metric tonnes of coal was stored at a depot in Diengngan village, Ri-Bhoi district. However, a recent inspection revealed only 2.5 metric tonnes remaining, along with traces of coal. In Rajaju village of West Khasi Hills district, only about 8 metric tonnes were found—far short of the previously recorded 2,121.62 metric tonnes.
The High Court, taking serious note of the Katakey committee’s report, expressed concern that the coal appeared to have been lifted and transported by unknown persons, despite being under surveillance following prior detection. A division bench comprising Justices Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew and Wanlura Diengdoh observed that the matter was grave and directed the state government to identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action.
