Meghalaya Mine Tragedy: NGT imposed a fine of whopping Rs 100 crore on the state government

After the Meghalaya, coal mining tragedy in the state has shocked the country and now, the National Green Tribunal has imposed a fine of a whopping amount of Rs 100 crore on the Meghalaya government.

NGT imposed a fine because of the failure of the government to curb the illegal coal mining in the state.

A senior advocate, who is assisting the tribunal as an amicus curiae in the matter, said a report of a high-level committee was submitted on 2nd January before a bench headed by NGT chairperson A K Goel, PTI reported.

In the report, it has been stated that the majority of the mining in the state is going on without a licence or a lease.

Therefore, the NGT has imposed a fine of Rs 100 crore on the Meghalaya government as a ‘deterrent’ and for its irresponsible behaviour to stop the illegal mining in the state.

As per the advocate, during the hearing on the issue, the state government has also admitted that illegal minings were operating in the state.

The incident has come to light when at least 15 miners were trapped in the 370-foot deep illegal coal mine in Lumthari village of East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya since 13th December and all efforts have been made by the NDRF & SDRF to pump out the water in the mine that have been in vain.

-With PTI inputs