Cabinet minister explores alternate livelihood for coal miners

SHILLONG: Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla, who represents the coal-rich Khliehriat, held a meeting on Wednesday with the officials of various departments to explore alternate livelihood options other than coal mining.
The meeting was held with the officials of departments of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water Resources and Soil and Water Conservation.
Shylla said since the land is not fertile due to coal mining activities in the past, there is not much scope for agriculture and horticulture.
He, however, said there is hope for poultry, piggery and allied activities, besides fish farming.
Ever since the NGT banned coal mining on April 17, 2014, the government had not made any alternate livelihood initiatives for miners. Instead, the intention of the government was to make efforts to vacate the stay on mining activities.
Shylla said though he has many coal mines, he had instructed his people not to engage in illegal mining and transportation of coal.
He admitted that there is a need to adhere to safety norms and protection of environment while carrying out mining.