Every election in Meghalaya is another regression into the past as if the future is too daunting to contemplate. In December this year, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma while speaking at a college event informed that Meghalaya has only 6 lakh people above the age of 45 years. He was referring to the statistics provided by the Ministry of Jal Shakti which states that Meghalaya’s population as of April 1, 2024 is 35.8 lakh. This means the state has over 29 lakh youth which works to about 80% of the population. This is a huge challenge for any state and calls for a comprehensive policy that will focus on outlining a futuristic roadmap and not election rhetoric that harps on the past and glorifies tradition as if the past has any bearing on critical issues such as the havoc wreaked by climate change because of rampant extractive mining. The past would have meaning only if there is a recognition and acceptance of past wrongdoings and a resolution to repair what was wrong and to abandon the path taken that has brought Meghalaya to where it is today. But will politicians ever admit past wrongs and resolve to adopt new and forward looking policies?
In the not so distant past coal mining took a toll on one of the most life-giving resources – the rivers. Two rivers in Jaintia Hills still carry the scars of acid mine drainage and are yet to recover and support riverine life. Studies have been conducted by NEHU and other scientists and remediation measures have been suggested but it ended there. Most rivers flowing through urban areas are facing the onslaught of urbanisation and encroachments but no one will make this an election issue because those about to get into the District Councils know that they don’t have the wherewithal to deal with the situation even though rivers and their upkeep are the onus of the Councils. The rapidly dwindling forest cover in Meghalaya should have been the most talked about issue since the Councils are the custodians of nearly 94% of forests in Meghalaya. But these issues are frozen and only tradition, culture, and protection are the key words we will get to hear as the campaigning begins.
Psychology tells us that low self-esteem and self-doubt often go hand in hand with living in the past. When we don’t believe in our ability to handle new challenges or create a better future, we may retreat to a time when things felt more manageable or when we felt more confident. It’s a form of self-protection, but one that ultimately holds us back from growth and new opportunities. Is this not Meghalaya’s eternal problem since it was created? The Councils live in a time warp as if they have nothing to do with creating sustainable development models when in fact mining and the elite capture of community owned lands are the brief of the Councils. Do they have a roadmap to put a stop to unsustainable mining practices? This earth will be inherited by the 80 % youth population. What are they inheriting? An earth that’s already heavily exploited? What resources do they have to work on for gainful employment? Do any of the wannabe councillors have a youth policy they want to spell out or will all of them go on the tried, tested and failed track?
