Shillong, Mar 26: A drone survey conducted by Garuda, a leading drone inspection company, has revealed the presence of over 1.92 lakh metric tons of illegally mined coal in four districts of Meghalaya. The findings were shared by Justice (retd) BP Katakey, who is heading the one-man committee appointed by the Meghalaya High Court, during a meeting on Tuesday.

The survey covered the districts of East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South Garo Hills, where significant quantities of coal were discovered outside the official inventories. Katakey noted that there might be additional coal deposits within a 1 km radius of the identified areas, and he is expecting further clarification from Garuda in the coming days.

Justice Katakey urged local authorities, including deputy commissioners and superintendents of police, to heighten their vigilance against illegal coal mining activities. He confirmed that the full report based on the aerial survey will be submitted to the Meghalaya High Court for further examination.

Katakey emphasized that any coal found outside the Coal India Limited (CIL) depots is illegal and must be seized under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. The seized coal will be auctioned, with the proceeds going to the state’s exchequer, not to the illegal miners.

In related developments, Katakey announced that eight prospective mining licenses had been issued, with environmental clearances granted for three of the projects. Five more are still awaiting clearance, with one project already operational.