EJNC wants action against ‘illegal coal transportation’

The East Jaintia National Council (EJNC) has demanded action against the illegal transportation of coal to the cement plants in the East Jaintia Hills district from outside the state.

In a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of East Jaintia Hills district, the EJNC said, “We do fervently request you to kindly take necessary action to stop such illegal transportation/import of coal in Meghalaya, especially in East Jaintia Hills District, from outside the state.”

According to them, a good number of trucks import coal to cement plants in the district “without valid documents”.

The EJNC also demanded that direction be given to the DMR check gates and police department to stop such illegal import of coal without any valid documents.

“If such illegal transportation/import is not stopped, there will be a hue and cry in the society since only a few unfair businessmen are freely doing their business,” it warned.

The EJNC alleged that the “unfair businessmen” never adhere to the guidelines of the Notification issued by the Mining and Geology department on November 8, 2022 and said that any transportation of coal or any mineral into Meghalaya or through Meghalaya to Bangladesh requires the approval of the Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Mining and Geology department.