Meghalaya: 26,000 Rat Hole Coal Mines Still Operating

10 May 2024 CW Team

Despite being banned a decade ago, approximately 26,000 rat hole coal mines in Meghalaya remain operational, according to a report by the Meghalaya High Court panel. This revelation underscores the persistent challenges in enforcing regulatory measures and addressing environmental concerns in the region's coal mining sector.

The report highlights the failure to shut down rat hole coal mines despite the imposition of a ban on their operation ten years ago. Rat hole mining, a hazardous and environmentally damaging practice, involves digging narrow tunnels to extract coal, posing risks to miners' safety and causing ecological degradation.

The continued operation of these mines raises questions about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight and enforcement mechanisms in Meghalaya's coal mining industry. Despite regulatory interventions and judicial directives, the practice of rat hole mining persists, indicating systemic shortcomings in governance and compliance.

Moreover, the proliferation of rat hole coal mines exacerbates environmental degradation and poses risks to local communities and ecosystems. The unregulated extraction of coal has led to land subsidence, water pollution, and deforestation, impacting the region's biodiversity and contributing to ecological imbalance.

The findings of the Meghalaya High Court panel underscore the urgent need for stronger regulatory enforcement and proactive measures to address the legacy of unregulated coal mining in the state. Efforts to curtail illegal mining activities and promote sustainable alternatives are essential to safeguarding environmental integrity and ensuring the well-being of local communities in Meghalaya.

Infrastructure Transport

27 Jun 2026

Noida Airport Fuels NCR Realty Growth

The start of commercial operations at Noida International Airport has recently emerged as a major trigger for real estate growth across Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway region. The airport is expected to improve regional connectivity and support the next phase of development in eastern NCR.The airport, inaugurated on 28 March, has begun passenger services, while cargo operations are also expected to strengthen its role as an economic and logistics hub. Its operationalisation is expected to reduce dependence on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for residents and busine..

thyssenkrupp and GlobalLogic Form AI Alliance

thyssenkrupp AG and GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group company, have recently formed a strategic alliance to deploy autonomous robotics and Physical AI across heavy industry operations. The partnership aims to improve safety, reduce engineering bottlenecks and accelerate industrial transformation at scale.The alliance brings together thyssenkrupp’s industrial expertise with Hitachi’s innovation capabilities. It includes GlobalLogic, Method and Hitachi America R&D, creating a “Lab-to-Scale” pipeline that connects research, digital strategy, design and enterprise software engineering for i..

Platinum Corp Launches Luxury Suites in Santacruz

Platinum Corp has recently launched Platinum Stellar: Bespoke Presidential Suites, a premium residential project in Santacruz West, Mumbai. The development is positioned as a boutique luxury offering for homebuyers seeking expansive layouts, privacy and personalised living experiences.Located on Main Avenue, the project has been designed as a low-density, high-end residential address with spacious homes starting from 2,500 sq ft and extending to full-floor residences. The project targets HNIs, business owners and legacy residents from the Bandra-Khar-Santacruz belt.Platinum Stellar has been de..