SHILLONG: Coal is being randomly and unscientifically extracted from the coal rich areas of Nongri, Nonghyllam and Nongkulang area in West Khasi Hills district and then exported through Borsora and Cherragoan export points located along the India-Bangladesh border of Meghalaya.

Besides few adventurous locals, the exploiters of the ‘black diamond’ are mainly Shillong-based entrepreneurs, serving politicians, aspiring legislators and government officials. These coal barons have exploited this rich area without parting a share of the money to develop the area and its environment.