Katakey Panel Flags Over 37,000 MT of Coal Missing After Ground Verification

The 35th interim report of Justice (Retd.) B.P. Katakey has once again highlighted the disappearance of 37,449.53 metric tonnes (MT) of coal in Meghalaya, following a ground verification drive conducted after an aerial survey of coal dumps in four districts. According to the report, an aerial survey carried out by M/s Garuda UAV Soft Solutions Pvt. Ltd. had detected 1,92,840.13 MT of coal stored in 1,898 dumps across the state. However, when district administrations later conducted physical verification, only 1,55,390.6 MT of coal was located in 1,889 dumps, leaving 37,449.53 MT unaccounted for.

District-wise Findings East Jaintia Hills: The aerial survey had identified 1,80,299.48 MT of coal in 1,572 dumps. District officials reported visiting all the locations and found 1,43,939 MT, resulting in a shortfall of 36,360.48 MT. West Khasi Hills: Out of 11,707.99 MT detected in 280 dumps, authorities found 11,446 MT after visiting all the sites. The discrepancy stood at 261.99 MT.

Southwest Khasi Hills: The survey recorded 797.65 MT in 37 dumps, but officials visited only 28 dumps, recovering just 5.6 MT. A shortage of 792.05 MT was noted. The report stated that no details were provided about efforts to verify the remaining locations identified during the aerial survey.

South Garo Hills: A total of 35.01 MT of coal was recorded in nine dumps. Officials visited all sites but reported that no coal was found. The entire quantity was marked as missing, with authorities claiming that the coal may have been washed away due to heavy rainfall. The Commission noted that FIRs were said to have been filed at respective police stations regarding the missing coal at the identified coordinates. The Committee recommended that the 1,55,390.6 MT of coal recovered during the verification process be transported immediately to designated district depots to prevent further loss. It further advised that the coal be auctioned after obtaining permission from the competent court. The panel also stressed that FIRs must be promptly registered—where not already done—regarding the missing 37,449.53 MT of coal. Investigations should be completed swiftly to ensure that those involved in illegal mining activities are brought to justice.