3000MT of illegal coal seized in East Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 23, 2025

The Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills District has informed that approximately 3000 metric tons (MT) of coal have been seized and shifted to a designated Coal India-authorised depot.

The seizure followed an inspection by police based on information regarding alleged illegal mining and dumping of coal in the forest area of Lum Bangla village.

The operation was conducted in compliance with the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act). During the visit, coal dumps were found outside the officially inventorized coordinates. As per the volumetric assessment report received from the Divisional Mining Officer, the seized coal amounted to around 3000MT.

It may be mentioned that on May 9, a joint team comprising an Executive Magistrate, officials from the Police Department, and the Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR) had carried out a raid in another part of the district. During that operation, over 6000MT of illegally mined coal was found dumped outside inventorized locations.