Guwahati: Justice (retd) BP Katakey has said that all scientific coal miners are responsible for closing all pit heads within a one-kilometer radius of their operational area.

He said that failure to do so would result in the mined coal being deemed illegal.

This announcement comes on the heels of the state government's decision to commence "scientific mining" of coal.

The Saryngkham A will undertake open-cast mining of coal over 148 hectares in Byndihati village, East Jaiñtia Hills district.

Justice Katakey also stated that any coal found outside the centralized depot set up by Coal India Limited (CIL) is considered illegal.

He added that it is the government's responsibility to take action under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.

A recent aerial survey, directed by Justice Katakey, was conducted across four major coal-producing districts. The survey aimed to identify any additional, unaccounted coal within a one-kilometer radius of inventoried coal dumps.