NGT imposes Rs 100 crore fine on Meghalaya government for failing to curb illegal mining

National Green Tribunal Friday imposed a fine of whopping Rs 100 crore on Meghalaya government for failing to curb illegal coal mining in state. 

A senior advocate, who is assisting tribunal as an amicus curiae in mining matter, said a report of a high-level committee was submitted on January 2 before a bench headed by NGT chairperson A K Goel. 

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report stated that majority of mines in state were operating without a lease or licence.

NGT imposed Rs 100 crore fine on state government as a "deterrent" and for its "inaction" to curb illegal mining in rth eastern state. 

lawyer said during hearing, state government admitted that a large number of mines were operating illegally.

At least 15 miners are trapped in 370 foot-deep illegal coal mine in Lumthari vill of East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya since December 13 and all efforts to pump water out of flooded mine have been in vain.

WATCH: A Ground Report Of Latest Rescue Operations For Miners Trapped In East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

owner of illegal rat-hole mine Krip Chullet was arrested on evening of December 14. state government has spent roughly over Rs 50 lakh for hiring various utilities to rescue trapped miners.

On Thursday, Supreme Court had expressed strong dissatisfaction over rescue efforts to trace miners and had asked state government to bring m out dead or alive.