India, Feb. 9 -- The one-member committee headed by retired Justice B.P. Katakey has identified Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district as a hub of large-scale illegal coal mining and transportation in its 35th interim report.

The committee said authorities must take proactive measures to immediately halt illegal mining activities and expedite investigations into multiple cases registered at Khliehriat police station. It stressed the need for swift legal action against those involved.

Noting that the district has an estimated 22,000 rat-hole mine openings, the panel directed all concerned Deputy Commissioners to submit detailed proposals for mine closure. It emphasised the involvement of village headmen and local communities in the proc...