Guwahati: The Meghalaya High Court has expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in curbing illegal coal mining in the state. The court's concerns came after reviewing the status report submitted by the state government on steps taken to address the issue.

The report was in response to the recommendations made by the Justice (retired) BP Katakey Committee in its 27th interim report. The committee had suggested several measures, including expediting the auction of assessed coal, not granting extensions to successful bidders, and realizing unpaid demurrage charges.

The court noted that despite these recommendations, there has been no significant improvement in the situation on the ground. The state government's report lacked details on the forfeiture of security deposits and part bid amounts and did not provide information on the realization of demurrage charges.

The court also expressed concerns over the lack of progress in setting up integrated smart check gates, providing alternate employment to those affected by mining activities, and closing abandoned coal mine shafts.

The Advocate General argued that forfeiting part of the bid amount would go against the bid conditions and invite legal implications. However, the court suggested that the state government should approach the Katakey Committee to amend the clauses and eliminate the problem of non-payment/non-lifting of coal.

The court also directed the state government to expedite the process of disposing of seized coal under the MMDR Act and to make the standard operating procedure for transporting coal outside the region more meaningful.