National

Meghalaya High Court Criticizes State Government for Inaction Against Illegal Coal Mining

Published

1 year ago

March 18, 2025

The Meghalaya High Court has voiced its dissatisfaction after examining the status report concerning illegal coal mining and transportation in the state. Despite the state government’s attempts to address the issue, the court observed that tangible improvements remain absent.

The bench, which included Justice HS Thangkhiew and Justice W Diengdoh, pointed out that the report failed to provide essential information, especially regarding the forfeiture of security deposits and the collection of demurrage charges.

The report was intended to respond to the recommendations from the Justice Katakey Committee’s 27th interim report, which urged the urgent auctioning of assessed coal, curbing unwarranted extensions for successful bidders, and enforcing the collection of outstanding demurrage fees. The Advocate General argued that forfeiting part of the bid amount might breach bid conditions and incur legal consequences. In response, the court advised the state to reevaluate its action plan and bidding conditions to enforce stricter compliance.

Among the committee’s major suggestions was the use of drone surveillance to track coal mining activities. In response, the government has set up drone control centers in coal-producing regions and established monitoring teams led by Deputy Superintendents of Police. Nonetheless, the court expressed concerns regarding the difficulties in interpreting UAV survey maps, particularly since the final report from M/s Garuda UAV Soft Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is still pending.

The court raised issues regarding the logistical hurdles of transporting seized coal to centralized depots, especially in remote areas like East Jaintia Hills and South Garo Hills. It urged practical measures in accordance with the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) to streamline the disposal process.

Additionally, the High Court emphasized the minimal progress made in closing abandoned coal mines, establishing integrated smart check gates, and developing alternative job opportunities for those impacted by the illegal mining ban. Although the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation is charged with mine reclamation, a detailed project report is still awaited. The court underscored the pressing need to implement integrated smart check gates once approval is obtained from the NGT Oversight Committee.

Furthermore, the court recommended that future auction announcements incorporate clauses mandating the cancellation of bids and forfeiture of earnest money if bidders do not fulfill their payment obligations or fail to lift coal within 120 days. The state was also directed to formulate a more efficient Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for coal transportation.

The bench acknowledged the ongoing audit of coal sources and noted that industries, including coke plants and ferroalloy companies, have been allotted extra time to present compliance documents. The court instructed the state to ensure that cement industries disclose their fuel sources prior to the next hearing.

The bench cautioned that the slow implementation of the committee’s recommendations, particularly relating to the disposal of re-assessed coal, would hinder efforts to tackle illegal mining. It called for immediate action to prevent potential adverse judicial outcomes.

Illegal coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya have been persistent issues, characterized by environmental damage and human rights violations. Despite numerous judicial interventions and the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) ban on rat-hole mining in 2014, illegal practices have continued, often disguised as legal operations. Reports have frequently indicated collusion between local authorities and mining mafias, facilitating unregulated coal extraction and transportation.

In 2019, the Supreme Court of India permitted the transportation of already extracted coal under strict regulations; however, enforcement has remained weak, resulting in widespread illegal mining.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.

National

Army Helicopter Crashes In Ladakh, All Three Officers Injured But Safe

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.

The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.

All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.

Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.

The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.

In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.

Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.