KHLIEHRIAT, May 5: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday said the resumption of coal mining in the state, scientifically and in compliance with environmental norms, would be a historic moment not only for the people of East Jaintia Hills but for the entire state.
Addressing a felicitation programme here in recognition of the efforts of the state government to initiate scientific mining in Meghalaya, Sangma said the ban on mining activities by the National Green Tribunal had far-reaching effects on the lives of the people of the state and specifically the people of East Jaintia Hills.
“The hardships and the economic difficulties of the people who depended on mining motivated me to ensure that mining activities are revived in our state,” he said.
He said the government devised the state mining plan following environmental norms after the Supreme Court lifted the ban.
“In the last three years, we have been working continuously with the government of India to come up with a system that is applicable only in Meghalaya given the uniqueness of the state where the land belongs to people,” he added.
The Chief Minister further said that devising a mining plan specific to Meghalaya was a huge challenge both for the Centre and the state government.
“I must, at this point in time, acknowledge the efforts of the mining department and the entire team of legal experts, environmental experts, and the miners who have been supporting the government to ensure that we are able to finally come up with a plan and policy and today after long years of struggle it is a moment of great joy for each one of us,” he said.
He also said the government would work with the Centre so that other miners are gradually able to procure their mining lease.
“We will have the mining department conduct awareness programmes on how to go about applying for the mining lease and we urge those who have got their mining lease to guide the other fellow miners,” he said.
Sangma added that the restoration of mining in the state will positively impact several other industries. “Coal mining at this point is not only about coal and miners but it is about the overall economic impact on the other sectors that will bring a new economic era for our state and this is a defining moment for the state,” he said.
Earlier, Secretary of Mining and Geology, Ethelbert Kharmalki said there are 17 applicants for the mining lease and another four applications will be forwarded to the Centre.
Reacting to the announcement of the resumption of coal mining in the state, shop owner Richu Shadap said: “Before the ban, our local market used to be busy. We have lost everything after the ban.”
Local resident Phoida Phawa also spoke about their plight: “Our livelihood was badly affected. We could not send our children to schools anymore and the local markets which used to thrive here closed down.”
Heimoni Lamare, another affected resident said: “The ban led to mass closure of shops. Lives of the people changed, and they struggled to make ends meet.”
Leborlang Lyngdoh, one of the four cleared by the Centre to undertake scientific coal mining, thanked the state government for the effort. “I would like to thank the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for working tirelessly to make this happen and I am hopeful that everything would work out as planned in the days to come. As a licensee, I am very grateful for the opportunity provided to me. We will work together to flourish,” he said.
Besides Sangma, the felicitation programme was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla among others.
