Meghalaya DGP’s intervention sought against ‘illegal coal transportation’ in Garo Hills region

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 5: BJP MDC from Tura Bernard N Marak today sought the intervention of the Director General of Police (DGP) LR Bishnoi against the alleged illegal transportation of coal in the South Garo Hills district.

An FIR in this regard was also filed with the Nongalbibra police station.

In a letter to the DGP, Marak said, “The reason for inaction by the police raised doubts so I am forwarding my complaint with a copy of the FIR submitted to Nongalbibra police station which has the coordinates of the depos for your reference. Therefore, kindly take immediate action and stop all illegal coal-related activities and honour the Court order.”

He said the complaint is to bring to notice the seriousness of the illegal transportation of coal which is happening openly in huge quantities in the state.

“Overloaded coal trucks without proper documents are plying freely at night by merely paying the entry fee approximately amounting to Rs 1,25,000/- per truck which is not recorded by the Government and without paying royalty tax to the Autonomous District Council (ADCs) and not following the directions of the honourable Supreme Court is a gross violation of the Honorable Supreme Court order dated 03.07.2019 and unjustified exploitation of the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India as all districts in Meghalaya falls under the Hill provisions,” Marak alleged.

“Hundreds of trucks are illegally lifting the coal from Era Aning and Jadigittim and illegal dumpings are taking place openly at the same places which grossly violates the Supreme Court order of 03.07.2019,” he said.

Further, the BJP leader demanded an investigation into the matter and said,  FIR copy which is attached here should be investigated as coal was loaded from the mentioned depo at Era Aning and Jadigittim under Nongalbibra Police Station, South Garo Hills, Meghalaya.”