NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma’s proposal to entrust Meghalaya Minerals Development Corporation (MMDC) with coal mining in the State has evoked sharp response from the Co-ordination Committee of Coal Owners, Miners and Dealers Forum.
The Forum has said the proposal is “unrealistic” and only an election gimmick to circumvent the law and befool people.
In a statement, Forum chairman Sonny L. Khyriem, said the State Government did not consult the umbrella body.
“The chief minister’s big talk during the consultative meeting on coal mining was a zilch with eye on the next general election,” he said.
The said proposal is being scrutinised by the Forum’s counsels and environmental professionals and a report will be made public shortly.
The National Green Tribunal has banned coal mining in Meghalaya.
The State Government has come up with a new proposal under which the Meghalaya Minerals Development Corporation (MMDC) will undertake coal mining on behalf of miners.
Sangma had told media persons that miners can tie up with MMDC and proceed towards getting all statutory clearances.
Under this section of the Mines, Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 1957, allocation of coal blocks to the state-run corporation can be done without going into the auction process.
The chief minister also came in for criticism for arriving late for the vital meeting on MMDC issue. “This shows his casual attitude towards a severe problem of the State which has affected all strata of the society mainly the poor,” he added.
The Forum has asked the government to ensure that weighbridges at Borsora Land Customs Station remain open on Sundays. This will help in exporting extracted coal which can be transported by this month end, which is the deadline set by the Apex Court.
Earlier, the Meghalaya People’s United Front (MPUF) had denounced the State Government for this MMDC proposal.
“It appears that the State Government is trying to befool people by bringing out another strategy to claim ownership over land through the mining and geology department and the MMDC,” it had said.
“This clearly shows that it is the state government that has been behind the ban on coal mining as well as coal transportation. If mining of coal can be done by the State Government through its own company, the owners can also mine it,” MPUF said.
“The Hynniewtrep A’chik National Movement (HANM), Jaintia Hills unit, in a statement, has also asked people, especially those involved in coal mining, not to accept such a move.
“This policy of the State Government cannot be accepted since our land is owned by individuals,” it had maintained.
The Jaintia Hills Coal Miners and Dealers’ Association termed the proposal an attempt “to take away the rights of tribal people over the minerals” and decided to hold a public meeting soon to highlight the issue.
“We strongly oppose the move of the Congress-led government to allow MMDC to take control of the coal mines,” the association’s president Balios Swer had said in a statement.
