The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the Meghalaya government to deposit Rs 100 crore as the fine amount imposed by the NGT.
It may be mentioned illegal coal mining is a matter of concern in Meghalaya.
While the environmentalists continue to oppose illegal coal mining in the state, the state government has promised to restart coal mining in the state addressing environment and safety issues.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on January 4, 2019 had imposed the fine on the Meghalaya government for its failure to curb illegal mining in the state.
The NGT bench headed by NGT chairperson A.K. Goel had made the announcement after going through a report submitted by a high-level committee
During the hearing, the state government on January 4, 2019 had admitted that a large number of mines were being operated in Meghalaya illegally.
The Meghalaya government will have to deposit the amount with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
According to reports, the directive has been issued by an apex court bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and K.M. Joseph.
The Supreme Court bench also directed the state administration of Meghalaya to hand over the coal, which were extracted by illegal means, to the Coal India Limited (CIL).
The CIL will auction the coal and deposit the collected amount with the state government.
The apex court bench allowed the mining operation in Meghalaya on the privately and community-owned land subject to the permissions from the authorities concerned.
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma said that the ban on coal mining in the state has severely affected a large number of families of the state besides this has also caused huge financial loss to the state’s revenue.