Newmai News Network
SHILLONG | December 2
The Garo Students’ Union (GSU) – Mindikgre unit in South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya has sought the cancellation of the auction of coal that took place earlier while alleging that there have been illegalities in the process.
The student body objected to the auction of coal which was disposed off from the various depots near Jadigittim in the coal rich area of Nongalbibra while stating that this was done illegally. A complaint on the matter was filed on November 20.
In the complaint filed to the district magistrate of South Garo Hills, the GSU sought the immediate cancellation of the auction which they alleged was done superseding the Supreme Court order of July 3, 2019.
“The time given for expressing interest in the auction was very short and there was no circulation of the auction through newspapers. The entire process is suspected to have been done to help someone mint money,” GSU-Mindikgre president, Greneth Sangma said.
Further the student body then alleged that the auction did not follow the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court which specifically state that all extracted coal lying in various depots and mine sites are to be taken over by Coal India Limited (CIL) and disposed off through auction in consultation with the NGT committee led by BP Katakey, unless the coal falls under the category of the order at para 189 of page 187.
“We therefore urge you to immediately cancel the auction or at least transportation of coal until it is ascertained to be outside the purview of the SC order. This will be known once I am given information under RTI that I have sought,” added Greneth.
Meanwhile, Greneth has sought information under RTI from the office of the Deputy Commissioner of South Garo Hills regarding the auction of coal from the district seeking details of FIRs filed, date of seizure, quantity of seizure, copy of auction notification and comparative statements of participants of the auction that took place, apparently a few days ago.
