Guwahati: Following the tragic death of 33 miners at 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 formed, raids and seizures have been increased, and more police personnel have been deployed along with drones to prevent illegal activities.
On Monday, on the first day of the budget session in the Meghalaya Assembly, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that a special enforcement team comprising an executive magistrate and officers 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 accident, five more teams have been deployed to conduct continuous raids and seizures. Six more gazetted officers, eight more police sub-inspectors, and four more platoons of the Armed Battalion have also been deployed.
More than 15,000 metric tons of coal have been seized so far, and six cranes used for illegal mining have been dismantled, with plans to dismantle more cranes. Drones are being used to monitor and prevent further illegal activities.
Sangma also stated that a judicial inquiry commission has been formed to investigate the incident, and the Director General of Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the Thangsko incident and other illegal mining operations.
Financial assistance of ₹2.4 million has been provided to the families of the victims, and payments are being made to eight other affected families, with daily updates being provided to ensure timely disbursements.
The budget session of the Meghalaya Assembly began on Monday, with members of both the treasury and opposition parties present. The state budget for 2026-27 is scheduled to be presented on February 20th, and the session will continue until February 27th.
In his first speech, Governor CH Vijayshankar highlighted the state’s economic growth, noting a real GSDP growth of 9.66% and the post-pandemic recovery, making Meghalaya the second fastest-growing state in India.
He said the economy has nearly doubled, from ₹29,508 crore in 2018 to ₹59,626 crore in 2025. The Governor urged legislators to ensure that this growth benefits public services, sustainable infrastructure, and creates more opportunities for the people.
