Shillong (Meghalaya), Feb 16: The Commission of Inquiry into the Thangsko coal mine accident has been tasked with suggesting financial packages or rehabilitation schemes for those who lost their livelihood due to the coal mining ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal in 2014.
The commission will also explore whether the state government should approach the President of India for relaxation or modification of the Mines and Mineral Development Act, 1957, considering Meghalaya’s traditional mining practices.
The commission, headed by Justice (Retd.) R.S. Chauhan has six months to submit its report and will have the powers of a civil court. It will be assisted by officials, experts, and bodies as required, and the inquiry will be conducted in Shillong.
