Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Meghalaya Authorities Search for Missing Illegally Mined Coal
In Meghalaya, a large amount of illegally mined coal is missing.
An aerial survey found a lot of coal, but when officials went to check, most of it was gone.
The government is now trying to find out where the coal went, who took it, and why.
The court is also involved and wants answers quickly, as more coal is at risk of disappearing.
The search is difficult due to remote locations and weather.
Authorities are searching for nearly 4,000 metric tons of missing illegally mined coal in Meghalaya.
An aerial survey found 1.92 lakh metric tons of illegally mined coal across four districts.
A follow-up survey detected an additional 4,000 MT of illegally mined coal in South West Khasi Hills.
A district official found only 10.5 MT of coal where 3,960 MT should have been during inspection.
The High Court has ordered urgent action to identify responsible officials and trace the missing coal.
- Who
- Meghalaya authorities, the High Court, Justice Katakey committee, and officials involved in mining.
- What
- Authorities are searching for thousands of tons of missing illegally mined coal in Meghalaya.
- When
- Inspections and searches are ongoing.
- Where
- South West Khasi Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya.
- Why
- To locate and address the disappearance of illegally mined coal.
District Officials
Justice Katakey Committee
Coal Search Efforts
District Officials
Seeking more time due to challenging conditions.
Justice Katakey Committee
Concerns of coal being pilfered before inspections complete
Verification Challenges
District Officials
District Officials claim remoteness & lack of manpower.
Justice Katakey Committee
Concerned about inaccessibility hindering verification.
- Location
- Meghalaya, India
- Issue
- Missing Illegal Coal
- Amount Missing
- Approximately 3,960 MT in two villages.
- Involved Parties
- Meghalaya Government, High Court
- Key District
- South West Khasi Hills
