INDIA, Dec. 5 -- Illegal coal mining and transportation continue unabated in Meghalaya, despite the appointment of a one-man monitoring committee by the High Court and assurances from the state government to curb such activities.

In his 34th interim report, Brojendra Prasad Katakey, former judge of the Gauhati High Court, highlighted that coal mining and movement of illegally mined coal persist in several areas, particularly in the East Jaintia Hills district. He has directed authorities to increase patrolling in identified hotspots to curb these unlawful operations.

The report instructed the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in each district to personally supervise all entry and exit points to prevent illegal coal tran...