National Green Tribunal had banned rat-hole mining or land owners mining in Meghalaya. The move comes after a flooding in a mine led to several deaths, bringing all mining to a virtual halt in the state. The Supreme Court of India has also slapped a Rs 100 crore fine on the Meghalaya government, for failing in its constitutional obligation to provide the citizenry with clean air and water, and allowing illegal mining to pollute rivers and air. The court has directed setting up of green fund and also directed distribution of coal mined so far by all parties— the state which deserves royalty and the landowners.
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