Ramesh declares 'jihad' against coal mafia

Shillong, Sept 25 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh today declared 'jihad' against coal mafia and their 'political bosses' for opposing to set up an electronic weighbridge at Dawki Land Custom Station in Meghalaya.

Mr Ramesh said an electronic weighbridge would be set up within nine months at Dawki Land Custom Station.

Dawki Land Custom Station, which is mainly used for coal trading, is losing huge revenue as there is no weighbridge. Everyday at least 150-200 coal laden trucks pass through this point, carrying extra load without paying.

''This leakage of revenue could be checked by installing an electronic weigh bridge at Dawki,'' he said.

Vowing to set up an electronic weighbridge at Dawki, Mr Ramesh said, ''Let there be bloodshed, but I promise that the electronic weighbridge would come up in nine months.'' Mr Ramesh said Meghalaya government on an average loses Rs 3 lakh per day and Rs 40 crore annually due to unaccounted coal and subsequent lose of royalty.

UNI