Guwahati: Following the tragic death of 33 miners in the Thangsko coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills, the state government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities.
Enforcement teams have been set up, raids and seizures increased, and additional police personnel along with drones deployed to curb unlawful operations.
During the opening day of the Budget session in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Monday, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said a special enforcement team, including Executive Magistrates and officials from the police and mining and geology departments, has been formed to conduct daily drives against illegal coal mining and transportation.
In response to the Thangsko tragedy, five extra teams have been mobilized to carry out sustained raids and seizures. Six additional gazetted officers, eight extra police sub-inspectors, and four additional platoons of the armed battalion have also been deployed.
So far, over 15,000 metric tonnes of coal have been seized, and six cranes used for illegal mining have been dismantled, with more planned. Drones are being used to monitor and prevent further illegal activity.
Sangma also announced that a judicial inquiry commission has been appointed to investigate the tragedy, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the Director General of Police to probe both the Thangsko incident and other illegal mining operations.
Financial assistance of Rs 24 lakh has been provided to the families of the victims, and payments to eight other affected families are underway, with daily updates to ensure timely disbursement.
The Meghalaya Assembly’s Budget session began on Monday with members from both the treasury and opposition benches present. The state budget for 2026–27 is scheduled for February 20, and the session will continue until February 27.
In his inaugural address, Governor C H Vijayashankar noted the state’s economic growth, citing a 9.66% real GSDP increase and post-pandemic recovery that has made Meghalaya the second fastest-growing state in India.
He said the economy has nearly doubled, rising from Rs 29,508 crore in 2018 to Rs 59,626 crore in 2025. The Governor urged legislators to ensure that this growth benefits public services, sustainable infrastructure, and creates wider opportunities for the people.