By Our Reporter
Shillong, March 28: The opposition in the KHADC on Thursday urged the VPP-led EC to outline its plans to address the challenges faced by small-time miners following the ban on sand and stone mining.
Raising a motion to discuss the difficulties experienced by small-time miners within the council’s jurisdiction on the second day of the council budget session, Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne stated that the issue had been deliberated during the previous term as well.
Chyne highlighted that resolutions have been passed, and multiple representations were submitted to the state government, urging her to take steps to address the hardships faced by small-time miners in areas such as Mawkynrew, Laitlyngkot, Sohra, and Sohiong.
He expressed concern that the mining ban had severely impacted the livelihoods of these miners.
Chyne recalled how women with young children were frequently seen engaged in stone and sand mining, particularly in areas like Pynursla.
The Leader of the Opposition emphasized the high demand for sand, boulders, and stone chips in various developmental projects, including the MGNREGA programme and other schemes. He also mentioned that promises were made during election campaigns to address the concerns of small-time miners.
Chyne noted that many people have resorted to illegal mining because district administration and Forest Department inspections often result in the closure of mining activities when discovered.
“Associations have raised concerns about this mining ban, but the struggles faced by small-time miners remain unresolved,” he said.
Chyne revealed that he had proposed to the state government to amend the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession (MMMC) Rules, 2016, by incorporating the term “traditional mining.” However, this amendment has yet to materialize.
He also mentioned that the state government had formed a special committee to study the issue and suggested that the KHADC should be allowed to be part of this special committee.
In response, KHADC CEM Shemborlang Rynjah acknowledged the grievances faced by small-time miners but clarified that mining regulations do not fall under the council’s jurisdiction. He explained that the council’s role is limited to issuing No Objection Certificates (NOC) for land leases intended for mining purposes.
Despite this, Rynjah affirmed that the council has a responsibility to protect its interests and address the problems faced by indigenous communities related to mineral resource mining.
“We must pursue the amendment of the MMMC Rules, 2016, to ensure the inclusion of the term ‘traditional mining.’ I also agree that the council should actively participate in discussions to amend this rule,” KHADC CEM added.