Scientific mining takes back seat; min defends

SHILLONG, Nov 20: The Meghalaya government’s promise to resume scientific coal mining remains unfulfilled, lingering on paper despite repeated assurances and timelines. Since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned coal mining and transportation in April 2014, the much-anticipated revival of scientific coal mining is yet to take off.
Cabinet Minister and prominent coal baron from Jaintia Hills, Kyrmen Shylla, expressed optimism, stating that they remain hopeful scientific coal mining will begin soon.
Defending the delays, Shylla explained, “Previously, minerals beneath someone’s land didn’t belong to the landowner. However, due to government intervention, people can now claim ownership of the minerals beneath their land. We are working hard toward realizing this dream. It may not happen today, but tomorrow, we will surely achieve it.”
When questioned about the stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for resuming coal mining, which critics argue favor large-scale operators, Shylla said the government could request the Centre to modify overly strict regulations.
Addressing concerns that only individuals with a minimum of 100 hectares of land would qualify for mining, the cabinet minister emphasised the need to start the process immediately, adding that arrangements for smaller miners could follow.
“We will not sit idle. We will also try to help small-scale miners,” he said, expressing hope that coal mining would resume in the state soon.
The Ministry of Coal recently approved mining leases for four applicants out of over a dozen who had sought permission to resume scientific mining in Meghalaya.