NGT ban on coal mining
SHILLONG: Unhappy with the Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong hailing the order of the NGT to ban coal mining in the State, Western Coal Miners’ and Exporters’ Association (WCM&EA) has accused Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong for being instrumental in asking Dimasa Students Union to file the case before the tribunal.
WCM&EA president PF Lyngdoh said in a statement issued here on Sunday hoped that Tynsong contests the next elections from the State of Assam so that he can look after the interest of the Dimasas even better.
“The statement of Tynsong has not only come as a surprise but a shock to the coal trading community of Meghalaya. A representative of the people who ought to stand by them in this hour of crisis has added insult to injury by hailing the order of the tribunal which has virtually affected the livelihood of over lakhs of citizens in the state,”
Lyngdoh also said that the claim of Tynsong that rat hole mining is illegal as per the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 is absolutely incorrect as there is no mention in the said Act regarding such traditional method of mining which has been prevailing in our state for decades altogether. In fact the system of mining coal in Meghalaya dates back to the British period and we fail to understand as to how the Minister, at this juncture, has termed it illegal.
“The government including the Centre are earning huge amount of revenue by way of royalty, etc. from coal mining in the state and if Tynsong says that coal mining is illegal, then he as a Minister is also party to such alleged illegality,” he said.
He also said that irresponsible, insensitive and immature statement on the part of the Minister needs to be condemned by one and all.
“Till date despite the gravity of the matter and the consequential effect the Order of the NGT has befallen on the people of the State, the Government has not yet approached the Tribunal and the reason is not far to seek,” WCM&EA president said.
