Shillong: East Jaintia Hills district administration has intensified enforcement drives against illegal mining, deploying teams of executive magistrates, police and officials from the directorate of mineral resources. Officials said the govt has called off the search and rescue operation at the coal mine where a blast claimed 30 lives on Feb 5.
“During the drives, approximately 6 MT of coal were seized in between Lumshyrmit and Cham Cham area, 10 MT (approx) from roadside near Cham Cham and Mukhaialong, 2 MT (approx) from roadside stretch between Mutong and Mukhaialong village and 20 MT (approx) from Pynthorsale village,” a statement issued East Jaintia Hills district DC, ManishKumar said on Monday.“In addition, makeshift camps, used in connection with illegal mining activities were identified and destroyed during the enforcement operations. FIRs have been registered in connection with reported illegal mining activities, and further legal action is underway,” the DC informed.A prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS has been issued by the DM to ensure public safety and facilitate ongoing operations. The DC urged the public to cooperate with authorities, refrain from illegal mining, and avoid visiting hazardous mining areas.“Notably, till date, a compensation amount of Rs 24,00,000 has also been paid to eight victims of mine explosion at Mynsngat, Thangsko and payment will continue to be paid as and when submissions of documentary evidence is secured from the next of the kin of the remaining families of the deceased,” the DC stated.
