Editor
The newly proposed mining draft in the state of Meghalaya is a mockery with no explicit intention to promote a sustainable and greener mining mechanism. If the concerned minister has no intention of imposing a ban on unscientific rat hole mining then he should at least create a more sustainable form of mining which is not detrimental to the living conditions of miners and residents in adjoining areas. Reckless mining practices have left most river sources with high acidic content and untreated acid from mines getting drained into adjoining water bodies and agricultural fields. Rivers like Myntdu and Waikhyrwi have also turned acidic following seepage of water from coalfields after sudden rain. A study conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board revealed that there is no aquatic life in several rivers in Jaintia Hills. Moreover major rivers in Jaintia hills have been declared unfit for human consumption. Studies undertaken by NEHU’s Centre for Environmental Studies had declared that all rivers and streams in the mining belts had turned poisonous red and brown from discharge of sulphur which is highly toxic. Coal-laden trucks also ply in the area without proper pollution tests. The miners are not provided with any protective gear and as per health authorities, the miners suffer from a host of ailments especially respiratory disorders and tuberculosis. Proximate facilities for medical care are non-existent. An articulate scientific regulatory mechanism should be enforced which should incorporate labour laws with a guaranteed fair wage compensation and health insurance cover for mine workers. Worker safety norms should also be safeguarded including elimination of child labour. Regular training on the risks should be provided including awareness creation about the hazards of mining unscientifically. Moreover, since coal mining involves temporary usage of land resource, it is necessary that rehabilitation of land takes place as soon as mining operations have terminated. The government should enforce coal barons to create awareness regarding mine reclamation measures such as replacement of top soil and afforestation on mined out areas etc. before it is too late.
Yours etc.,
Jonathan Donald Syiemlieh
Via email
Teachers’ plight
Editor,
I am really saddened by the fact that the teachers of our state have not been paid their rightful dues for so many months. They are such an important part of our society, but the way they are treated really brings tears to our eyes. They are the ones who are responsible for educating our children and making them good citizens. However, if they are not paid well, will they have any kind of ownership towards their work?
How on earth will they take care of their families if they do not have the means? Doesn’t the Government understand that they are, but human beings teaching for a living? Our Government should address this issue with utmost urgency. Teachers are not to be taken for granted in any way. It’s high time that they receive regular and monthly remuneration they are worthy of!
Yours etc.,
T. Sangma
Pune