A three-member judicial panel, led by a retired High Court judge, has been appointed to investigate the deadly explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, officials said on Sunday. The panel will examine accountability, causes, and systemic issues surrounding the tragedy that claimed at least 31 lives.
The Commission of Inquiry, set up under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952, is headed by retired Justice R.S. Chauhan, a former Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts. He is joined by retired IPS officer H. Nongpluh and former IAS officer P.S. Dkhar to conduct a thorough fact-finding mission into the February 5 blast at a rat-hole coal mine in the Thangsku area of Mynsngat village.
The panel has been tasked with determining whether failures by authorities or systemic issues contributed to the disaster. It will recommend reforms, remedial actions, and rehabilitation plans for affected workers. It will also look into possible constitutional exemptions to central mining laws and the wider regulatory and enforcement gaps that have allowed illegal mining to continue despite a ban on rat-hole coal mining imposed by the National Green Tribunal nearly a decade ago.
Justice Chauhan’s commission has six months to submit its report to the state government, detailing findings and actionable suggestions. The inquiry will also assess working conditions, enforcement practices, and accountability across government and regulatory agencies.
The blast has brought illegal rat-hole coal mining back into public attention. The Meghalaya High Court recently described the failure to stop illegal mining as “distressing,” warning authorities that an independent or central investigation may be ordered if effective measures are not taken.
In an unexpected turn related to the incident, one worker who was declared dead was later found alive, raising concerns about identification and crisis management in the aftermath of the explosion.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma initially announced the judicial inquiry, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to uncovering the root causes and preventing future tragedies. The panel’s findings are expected to significantly influence policy and enforcement regarding illegal mining and worker safety in the region.
