Guwahati: At least 1.92 lakh metric tonnes of illegal coal has been detected in four districts of Meghalaya as state government claims to have cracked down on illegal coal mining and transportation.

The discovery was made during an aerial survey conducted by a committee headed by Justice (retired) BP Katakey, appointed by the High Court of Meghalaya.

The survey, which covered an area of approximately 740 sq. km, was conducted to locate coal outside of the designated depots of Coal India Limited (CIL). The illegal coal was found in the East Jaintia, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South Garo Hills districts.

Justice Katakey stated that any coal found beyond the CIL's designated depots is illegal and urged authorities to take action according to the MMDR Act. This includes registering FIRs, seizing the coal, and putting it up for auction, with the proceeds going to the state exchequer.

The committee's findings will be included in an interim report to be submitted to the High Court.