Shillong: The Meghalaya government is waiting for the Union Coal Ministry’s approval to resume coal mining in the state through scientific methods.
Unscientific ‘rat-hole’ coal mining has been banned in the unregulated mines in Meghalaya since April 2014 by a National Green Tribunal order.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the government had conducted public hearings for scientific mining at three locations two months ago and the necessary clearances from the Forest and Environment Department and Pollution Control Board have been obtained.
“The files are now under review in New Delhi, where the Coal Ministry will provide the final approval after evaluating all the clearances from the central and state governments,” Sangma, who also handles the Mining and Geology portfolio, said.
Acknowledging the delay to start scientific coal mining in Meghalaya, the Chief Minister explained the complexity and challenges of the entire process.
“It has been a very complex and difficult journey. We had to overcome challenges at multiple levels, including legal battles with the NGT and Supreme Court for lifting the ban on mining. Moreover, the land tenure system in Meghalaya is distinct from other regions, necessitating specific provisions from the government of India,” he said.
Sangma further pointed out that coal deposits in Meghalaya in small seams and layers, which means the conventional mining technology does not entirely apply, and needed to be addressed carefully.
On the recommendations of Justice (Retired) B. P. Katakey for closing abandoned coal mines, the Chief Minister said, the government has established the Meghalaya Reclamation Fund, amounting to nearly Rs 500 crore. “Funds are being utilised to restore these areas, conserve water bodies and carry out afforestation programmes in abandoned mining sites,” he said.
“We have already initiated the study and mapping process and we expect to see positive results in the coming months. Once the pilot phase is complete, we will expand the programme across the entire state,” the Chief Minister said.
UNI RRK KJ
