Friday, July 11, 2025
spot_img

Meghalays's Mineral Policy

Date:

Share post:

spot_imgspot_img

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

 

Previous article
Next article
spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

22 Maoists, including eight females, surrender in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, July 11: In a significant development in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district, 22 Maoists laid down their arms on...

BJP looting land, forest, water: Rahul Gandhi at ‘save Constitution’ rally in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, July 11: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday targeted the BJP, alleging that the ruling party has...

Centre plans Rs 1,345 crore subsidy scheme to boost production of Rare Earth magnets

New Delhi, July 11: The Indian government has drawn up a scheme to offer subsidies to the tune...

We missed no targets in Pak, not even a glass pane broken in India: NSA Doval on Op Sindoor

New Delhi, July 11: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Friday addressed the convocation ceremony at IIT...