SC Panel Seeks ₹150 Cr Fine on USTM, Ban on Mining in Ri Bhoi

The Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended a ₹150 crore fine on the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) for illegal use of forest land. It urged restoration of the encroached area to forest within a year and suspension of all mining in Ri Bhoi until a detailed review. The panel also advised strict seasonal bans on mining and hill-cutting, digital mapping of leases, and re-examination of forest definitions by the Meghalaya government.