A startling claim from Meghalaya’s Excise Minister Kyrmen Shylla has stirred public attention after over 4,000 tonnes of coal reportedly went missing in the state.
While addressing the media on Monday, the minister suggested that the disappearance may have been caused by the region’s heavy rainfall — implying the coal might have been washed away.
This comes after the Meghalaya High Court strongly reprimanded the state government over the missing coal and ordered immediate action against officials responsible. The missing stock was allegedly last recorded in Rajaju and Diengngan villages, sparking suspicions of illegal lifting and transportation.
“Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall. You never know… because of rain, the coal might have swept away. Chances are very high,” said Shylla while responding to reporters. However, he quickly added that he wasn’t offering a justification. “I cannot blame just the rain. It could be or it could not be. I really don’t have any kind of details.”
The minister admitted there was no conclusive evidence pointing to either natural causes or illegal activity. He maintained that any coal-related operations must strictly follow the law and acknowledged that multiple departments were responsible for monitoring coal mining and transportation.
On being asked about ongoing allegations of illegal mining despite the 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban, Shylla emphasized the need for solid proof. “If it is for survival, people might do it illegally… otherwise nobody wants to do anything that harms the state,” he remarked.
Shylla also welcomed the introduction of scientific coal mining in the state, expressing hope that this would help reduce illegal practices. “We are all happy to welcome it. We want to see this reach the light of day,” he said, urging people to abide by the law.
The NGT had imposed a blanket ban on coal mining in Meghalaya more than a decade ago due to dangerous and unregulated practices — particularly the infamous ‘rat-hole’ mining. The technique had led to several fatalities, environmental damage, and groundwater contamination, especially in the East Jaintia Hills region.
Separately, the minister responded to public concerns over dust and debris from highway construction along NH-6 in East Jaintia Hills. He praised the government’s effort, stating: “I appreciate the initiative. It is difficult now, but once completed, we will all benefit.”
