KARIMGANJ, April 28 � Huge quantities of coal have been exported to Bangladesh illegally through the Sutarkandi trade centre in Karimganj. This allegation was made by an NGO, Barak Welfare Society.
In a memorandum submitted to the Assistant Commissioner, Customs, it was mentioned that the National Green Tribunal had prohibited the export of Meghalaya coal, but this ban has been flouted by the coal operators of Karimganj.
Showing fake challans from Nagaland, coal from Meghalaya is being exported to Bangladesh. The memorandum also alleged that a section of coal exporters are supplying coal without paying taxes and royalty. The CBI has probed the anomalies in this regard.
After the probe, coal export was stopped on March 24. But from April 8, export started through this land port. The Barak Welfare Society alleged that this was known to the district administration and the local customs department. The society also alleged that exporters are loading 20 tonnes of coal in place of nine in every truck. The memorandum demanded necessary steps to stop such illegal activities.
