A fresh controversy has rocked Meghalaya. Nearly 4,000 tonnes of coal have reportedly gone missing from West Khasi Hills. Transport Minister Paul Lyngdoh claims heavy rains washed it into Bangladesh. This explanation, however, has triggered a political storm.
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Minister gives unexpected explanation
Speaking to the media, Paul Lyngdoh said the coal was stored in open areas. Continuous rains led to severe runoff. As a result, the coal washed away into nearby rivers and crossed the international border. The location lies close to river systems that flow into Bangladesh.
Lyngdoh added that the authorities are investigating the matter. He also assured that they are checking environmental impact reports. “We are working on damage control,” he said.
Opposition slams the government
The opposition rejected this explanation outright. They accused the government of hiding the truth. Congress leader Ampareen Lyngdoh called the minister’s claim absurd. “Does coal evaporate when it rains? No. This is either gross mismanagement or a cover-up,” she said.
Trinamool Congress MLA Mukul Sangma also expressed strong doubts. He said the state machinery has repeatedly failed to protect seized coal. “This is a repeated pattern. They seize coal, claim it is under control, and then suddenly it vanishes,” Sangma said.
Both parties have demanded an independent probe. They want the matter taken out of departmental hands.
Seized coal was awaiting auction
The missing coal had been confiscated during earlier crackdowns on illegal mining. Authorities were storing it temporarily before auctioning it. Locals say the coal lay uncovered for weeks. Rains then hit the region heavily.
Environmental activists had warned of this outcome. “Coal should not be dumped openly,” said Agnes Kharshiing, a known activist. “Without containment, rain will wash it away. Now we’re seeing exactly that.”
She also raised concerns over cross-border pollution. If the coal did enter Bangladeshi rivers, it might affect water quality and marine ecosystems.
Government promises investigation
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma responded to the backlash. He assured that the government is not taking the matter lightly. “We are checking all angles. Whether the coal was washed away or stolen, we will find out,” Sangma said.
He also mentioned that the mining and geology department will inspect the storage site. The Pollution Control Board is preparing a report. Officials plan to coordinate with the Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladesh counterparts as well.
Locals share mixed reactions
In the West Khasi Hills, people expressed mixed feelings. Some residents agree that the rain was unusually strong this year. Others feel cheated. “We live near the site. The coal was here. Now it’s not. We deserve an honest answer,” one villager said.
Social media has erupted with memes and criticism. Users mock the idea that rain carried away tonnes of coal. “Next time, blame the clouds for gold theft,” one user wrote.
Experts call for better safeguards
Experts believe this could have been avoided. According to mining policy analyst T. Nongrum, “Proper storage with fences, covers, and drainage systems is essential. Seized coal is state property. You cannot leave it exposed to the weather.”
He emphasized that this is not just a local issue. Coal plays a large role in Meghalaya’s economy and politics. Mismanagement reflects badly on the state’s governance.
Some conservation groups are now pushing for stricter enforcement. They want GPS tagging of seized coal and drone surveillance. They also suggest real-time public monitoring through online dashboards.
Political fallout continues
This case has further strained relations between the ruling alliance and the opposition. While the National People’s Party (NPP) continues to support Paul Lyngdoh’s statement, allies like the United Democratic Party (UDP) are cautious.
“There must be accountability. No matter who is at fault, the people deserve transparency,” said UDP spokesperson Jemino Mawthoh.
Meanwhile, state officials are preparing detailed reports for the Centre. If Bangladesh confirms the presence of washed-up coal, it may add a diplomatic dimension.
The Meghalaya coal missing controversy has become more than just a question of accountability. It reveals systemic gaps in environmental planning, law enforcement, and disaster readiness.
As investigations continue, public trust hangs in the balance. The government must not only find out what happened but also ensure such incidents do not repeat. In a state where coal politics run deep, this incident could shape future policies and elections.
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