Illegal rat hole coal mining persists in Meghalaya despite a 2014 National Green Tribunal ban, reflecting ecological damage, worker deaths, and governance gaps. Conflict between Sixth Schedule land rights and MMDR Act, acid mine drainage in Kopili River, and the Ksan tragedy demand scientific mining, NESAC monitoring, and just transition reforms.
Click to View MoreIndia's pollution crisis is a social justice issue because marginalized communities are disproportionately affected. Current policies, like the National Clean Air Programme, lack a strong focus on equity. Achieving environmental justice, as mandated by Article 21, requires implementing an inclusive, community-driven strategy.
Click to View MoreThe NGT’s action on illegal sand mining in Assam’s Kaldiya river exposes a wider national crisis. Unscientific extraction harms river ecology, groundwater and biodiversity, while sand mafias fuel revenue loss and conflict. Despite strong laws, weak enforcement persists. Technology-based monitoring, alternatives like M-Sand and stronger accountability are essential.
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