Shillong, Feb 6: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Thursday made it clear that the fatal coal mine explosion in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills occurred in an illegal mining operation, asserting that there are no Government of India coal mines operating in the state.
Reacting to the explosion that claimed at least 18 lives, the Minister said, “An accident has occurred in illegal coal mines in Meghalaya. Several people have died. There is no Government of India coal mine in Meghalaya. Not even one block of coal mine has been auctioned to date. Neither PSU coal mines nor commercial coal mines exist there.”
The Minister stressed that the tragedy highlights the urgent need to curb unlawful mining activities, which he said continue to operate despite repeated warnings.
“We have been writing to State Governments again and again to stop illegal coal mining. Still, mafia runs illegal coal mines at various places and makes innocent people work there. This needs to be stopped under the supervision of the State Government. There should be no compromise. Such accidents should not occur. Illegal mining should not take place,” he said.
Reddy confirmed that he has sought a detailed report from the Meghalaya Government on the incident and urged all states to strictly enforce mining laws to prevent further loss of life.
The explosion, which occurred around 11 am in a suspected unauthorised coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district, left 18 workers dead and one injured, who has been shifted to a higher medical centre for treatment.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the situation and assured full support from the Centre. One NDRF team has already reached the site, with two more teams on the way.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. The Meghalaya Government has separately announced Rs 3 lakh as ex-gratia for the families of the deceased.
Authorities have registered a suo motu FIR at Khliehriat Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Explosives Substances Act, marking a significant legal step against unauthorised mining operations in the region.
The Coal Minister reiterated that strict enforcement and state-level supervision are essential to prevent such tragedies in the future.
