• UGI USER
  • May 13, 2024
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PANEL HIGHLIGHTS SLOW EFFORTS TO REVERSE COAL MINING DAMAGE IN MEGHALAYA

Why in the news?

Concerns raised over slow progress in addressing environmental damage caused by rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya.

source:researchgate

About the Panel’s Concerns:

  • Justice Brojendra Prasad Katakey, appointed by the High Court of Meghalaya, highlights poor progress in reversing environmental damage caused by rat-hole coal mining.
  • Emphasis on the failure to utilise the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF) and inadequate project sanctioning.
  • Continuous suffering of residents near mines due to acid mine drainage, unresolved mine pit closures exacerbate the situation.
What is the central pollution control board (cpcb)?

  • Established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
  • Entrusted with powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
  • Provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change.

About Coal India Ltd (CIL):

  • Coal India Ltd (CIL) is India’s largest coal producer and supplier, operating under the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act of 1973.
  • Established as a public sector undertaking, it was partially disinvested in 2010.
  • The government maintains a 67% majority shareholding in CIL.