Illegal coal trade, suspected tax evasion put Assam-Meghalaya border under spotlight

Allegations of illegal coal transportation along the Assam-Meghalaya border have resurfaced, with sources claiming that 30 to 40 coal-laden trucks are waiting near Athiabari in Meghalaya for entry into Assam through Hahim, raising concerns over possible tax evasion, overloading and the operation of an organised syndicate.

According to sources, the trucks, allegedly carrying coal from Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills district, have assembled near the interstate border and may enter Assam under the cover of darkness before proceeding to different destinations.

A driver of a coal-laden truck bearing registration number AS 18 C 0675 told this correspondent that the consignment had been transported from Shallang in Meghalaya and was scheduled to be unloaded at Haldhipara in Boko.

The driver alleged that trucks could transport coal to different destinations in Assam after a payment of Rs 1.5 lakh per vehicle, purportedly to manage influential people in both states. He also claimed that the movement did not require an e-way bill or transport challan. These allegations could not be independently verified.

The driver further alleged that a person identified by the surname Bansal was leading the syndicate. The claim could not be independently corroborated, and no response from the person named was available.

Meanwhile, another source claimed that between 200 and 300 trucks had reached the Shallang area, with more consignments expected to move into Assam gradually. This claim, too, could not be independently verified.

Sources alleged that coal extracted through rat-hole mining in areas including Mautap, Tarajak, Langmar and Gareng in Meghalaya was transported to Shallang before being brought into Assam through Hahim. The coal is reportedly supplied to brick kilns, industrial units and other commercial establishments.

Overloading raises road safety concerns

The alleged transportation network has also raised concerns over road safety and damage to infrastructure.

According to the truck driver, some vehicles carry between 40 and 45 tonnes of coal to maximise profits. Such overloading can accelerate road deterioration and increase the risk of accidents, endangering commuters and other road users.

The driver alleged that the authorities concerned had failed to take adequate action against the practice. The allegation has not been independently verified.

Coal extracted in Meghalaya is reportedly sold at prices ranging from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 per tonne, according to the information provided by the driver. The coal is allegedly sold at higher prices in Assam, potentially generating substantial profits while raising questions over the payment of applicable royalties, taxes and other statutory dues.

Environmental and revenue implications

Illegal coal mining and unregulated transportation can have serious environmental consequences, including deforestation, soil erosion and water pollution. Contamination of streams and rivers flowing into Assam could affect agriculture, fisheries and the livelihoods of communities in downstream areas.

The alleged trade could also result in revenue losses for the governments of Meghalaya and Assam if coal is extracted, transported or sold without the requisite permits and payment of statutory dues.

A Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report had earlier flagged irregularities involving coal transportation and royalty payments in Meghalaya. Figures cited in information available for this report state that 31,556 metric tonnes of coal were exported to Bangladesh during 2020-21 without the required approvals and transportation documents, resulting in an estimated royalty loss of around Rs 2.13 crore to the Meghalaya government. The original audit findings would need to be checked to establish the precise nature and scope of the irregularities.

Separately, information released by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in April 2025 reportedly referred to a syndicate linked to illegal coal mining in Meghalaya and the transportation of coal into Assam.

The latest allegations have renewed calls for stricter surveillance along the interstate border, coordinated enforcement by the authorities of both states, and action against illegal mining, unauthorised transportation, tax evasion and overloaded vehicles.

It remains to be established whether the reported trucks are carrying illegally mined coal, whether statutory documents and payments are missing, and whether any organised network is facilitating their movement through Hahim.