NONGSTOIN: The NGT ban order April 17, banning rat hole mining in Meghalya has left the indigenous people of the State in a precarious position.
In West Khasi Hills District, the ban order was announced via the District Public Relations Office on May 16.
The people, particularly the coal traders of the district had anticipated the dreaded announcement. Post the order, over fifty trucks transporting coal to Assam from Shallang were stopped at the Riangdo-Athiabari road and were not allowed to carry the shipment to Assam.
The order issued the ban on rat hole mining and transportation of coal from Meghalaya to Assam until further orders were issued for its resumption.
Many people especially those in the coal belt region have been hit badly by the NGT’s ban order.
Almost throughout the state, rat hole mining had been the sole means of obtaining coal from the quarries and mines.
The indigenous people are unaware of any other scientific means of mining.
Over 70% of the people in West Khasi Hills District could be directly or indirectly affected by the ban order.
Shopkeepers in Nongstoin are already complaining of their business slowing down.
They fear that if the ban persists, besides the rat hole mining, they too would have to down their shutters soon.
Everywhere in West Khasi Hills District, there is a hush hush about the NGT court hearing in New Delhi on May 19.
While the decision remains a mystery to most of them, plans are already being made by some coal traders to sell their trucks or to employ them in other businesses.