# Meghalaya HC panel seeks urgent plan to end illegal coal mining 2026-08-13T17:16:07+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Meghalaya high court-appointed Justice B.P. Katakey committee has asked the state government to urgently notify a comprehensive action plan to stop illegal coal mining and transportation. In its 39th interim report filed on Thursday, the panel expressed concern that its earlier recommendations had not been implemented, and it called for immediate steps to prevent illegal mining and secure thousands of abandoned rat-hole mine pits. The committee also raised alarm over unsecured mine openings endangering human life and livestock. Restoration plans for two pilot sites, Sutnga and Arenggtim, are pending clearance from the National Green Tribunal's oversight committee. Justice Katakey said the state cannot wait for restoration projects to begin and demanded an immediate policy to fence and close hazardous pits, especially near villages. The matter will return to the Meghalaya High Court for further hearing. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com Tags: coal, illegal mining, Justice Katakey committee, Meghalaya High Court, mine safety, rat-hole mines Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/meghalaya-hc-panel-seeks-urgent-plan-to-end-illegal-coal-mining/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/meghalaya-hc-panel-seeks-urgent-plan-to-end-illegal-coal-mining/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.