3 Things A 'missing' mountain of coal, global plastics treaty, and GST reforms
Aug 19, 2025
Sukrita Baruah, a reporter from The Indian Express, delves into a scandal involving 2 lakh metric tonnes of illegally mined coal that has mysteriously disappeared in Meghalaya. She reveals the ongoing investigations and the dire consequences of illegal mining practices. The discussion also shifts to the global plastics treaty, where countries have struggled to reach agreement, highlighting the urgency of tackling plastic pollution. Finally, explore India's new GST proposals, particularly the tax implications for online gaming, amid broader economic reforms.
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Large-Scale Illegal Rat-Hole Mining
- Meghalaya has long dealt with rampant illegal, non-scientific coal mining using rat-hole methods despite bans.
- An aerial drone survey found about 1.92 lakh metric tons of illegally mined coal across four districts earlier this year.
Follow-Up Survey Versus Field Visits
- A follow-up survey by the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority found about 3,960 metric tons near two remote villages.
- District officials who visited the sites initially reported finding only about 10.5 metric tons on the ground.
Legal Seizure Hampered By Terrain And Weather
- Law requires illegally mined minerals to be seized and stored, but remote terrain and monsoon hindered enforcement.
- The Meghalaya High Court flagged apparent illegal lifting and demanded accountability from officials.