Rain Might Have Washed It Away, Says Meghalaya Minister After 4,000 Tonnes of Coal Go Missing
The Meghalaya High Court recently reprimanded the state government for the mysterious disappearance of nearly 4,000 tonnes of illegally mined coal from government-monitored depots in Rajaju and Diengngan villages. Despite earlier official surveys recording the coal stockpile, only a fraction remained on ground verification.
Facing intense scrutiny, Meghalaya Excise Minister Kyrmen Shylla gave an unusual explanation to reporters: Meghalaya’s heavy rainfall during monsoon might have washed away the coal downstream, possibly into neighbouring Assam or even Bangladesh. He said, "Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall. You never know... because of rain, the coal might have swept away. Chances are very high."
However, the minister clarified that this was not an attempt to justify the loss and admitted that there is no conclusive proof whether the disappearance was due to natural causes or illicit activity. He acknowledged that “unidentified persons” might have illegally lifted and transported the coal despite regulatory oversight.
Key Points of the Incident
The coal stock recorded by the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) showed over 3,900 tonnes missing during ground checks.
The High Court directed the government to identify and take strict action against officials and individuals responsible for the loss.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned coal mining and transport in Meghalaya in 2014 due to environmental hazards and rampant illegal mining.
Scientific coal mining restarted recently, but allegations of illegal mining persist.
Multiple government departments are responsible for monitoring illegal mining and transport, but enforcement lapses remain.
Public and Legal Reaction
The strange claim that rain may have washed away such a large quantity of coal has sparked widespread criticism and debate. Environmentalists and activists question the accountability and regulatory mechanisms in place.
The High Court has demanded prompt investigations and stricter controls to prevent recurrence of such massive losses and illegal activities in Meghalaya’s coal sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the 4,000 tonnes of coal go missing from?
The coal disappeared from depots in Rajaju and Diengngan villages in South West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.
What explanation did the Meghalaya minister give for the missing coal?
Minister Kyrmen Shylla suggested heavy rainfall might have washed away the coal downstream but admitted there was no proof and did not justify the loss.
What action has the Meghalaya High Court taken?
The court reprimanded the government and ordered identification and action against officials responsible for the disappearance of coal.
Is coal mining legal in Meghalaya currently?
Coal mining and transportation were banned by the NGT in 2014 due to environmental concerns. However, limited scientific mining has recently started, while illegal mining remains a challenge.
What concerns surround illegal coal mining in Meghalaya?
Illegal mining leads to environmental degradation, water contamination, and loss of government revenue. It also threatens safety in the fragile ecosystem of the region.
What does the missing coal incident indicate about governance?
It highlights enforcement failures, poor monitoring, and corruption risks in Meghalaya’s coal sector, emphasizing the need for stricter accountability and sustainable practices.
Published on: July 29, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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