The Supreme Court’s order to lift the ban on coal mining in the state has evoked mixed response.
Kyrmen Shylla (Social Welfare Minister and MLA from coal-rich Khliehriat constituency): It’s a great victory for the state. We are blessed now as God has heard our cries. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has worked really hard on the matter. NGT was concerned about the environment and people should also learn as to how it should be protected. We from the state government will try our best to protect both the people and the environment.
Agnes Kharshiing (CSWO president, who was assaulted by coal miners in East Jaintia Hills last year): Lifting of ban on coal mining will bring in many violations and now plum posts will be given to those who can bring illegal money. We want to see the plan of the government as far as rat hole mining is concerned and now we will have to keep a watch again.
RG Lyngdoh (former Home Minister): Coal India will auction the coal and once that happens, the law of the land as far as environmental issues are concerned would be implemented effectively like closure of abandoned mines and afforestation. I m glad the economy will get a boost. We have been in the doldrums for quite some time. When things are done illegally they remain outside the radar but once it’s done within the radar, you can check all different aspects which need to be complied with.
Toki Blah (former IAS officer and environmentalist): Now coal mining in the state would be subjected to regulation. A person who owns a car has to drive according to regulations and similarly in this case, land will have to be used for coal mining as per rules and regulations which are environment-friendly.
PT Sawkmie (Congress MLA): The direction of Supreme Court to State Government to hand over Rs 100 crore to Central Pollution Control Board is a blow to the state. It is very unfortunate that only greed of ‘self’ has made the state to pay the fine.