By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 7: With scientific coal mining just beginning in the state, Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla, who hails from the coal-rich Jaintia Hills, has asserted that the region wants more, expressing hope that the resumption of scientific coal mining will improve the financial condition of the people and allow for the proper utilisation of coal resources.
“We cannot say for sure whether the recently started scientific mining has already begun to provide livelihoods,” he said, while acknowledging that the decade-long ban on coal mining severely impacted people’s livelihoods and left many struggling.
He pointed out that residents of the Jaintia Hills have been trying to find alternative means of livelihood following the ban. While the government has introduced several initiatives to support them, Shylla admitted these efforts have not been sufficient.
However, Shylla also emphasised the need to balance economic revival with environmental protection. “We have to maintain a balance between protecting livelihoods and preserving our environment,” he stressed.
After more than a decade, coal mining has officially resumed in Meghalaya. The first scientific coal mine in the state was inaugurated earlier this year at Saryngkham-A Coal Mine, Byndihati, in East Jaintia Hills.
As of last year, the Meghalaya government had forwarded a total of 27 applications to the Ministry of Coal for scientific mining licenses. Of these, 17 applicants have been granted Prospecting Licences (PL).
NH-62 repair delay
Meanwhile, Shylla, who is also the Khliehriat MLA, defended the delay in completing the repair work on National Highway 62, which passes through Khliehriat and Ratacherra.
He stated that the companies awarded the tender for the road repairs have been doing their best, but the work has been delayed due to multiple reasons.
Shylla informed that a concrete road is being constructed in the affected areas of NH 62 and assured that it is only a matter of time before the work is completed.
“It’s just a matter of time. Please bear with us,” he said, adding that certain hindrances have slowed progress, particularly because traffic on the highway cannot be halted. Despite these challenges, he emphasised that the contractors are making every effort to complete the work as soon as possible.
It may be noted that the High Court of Meghalaya is currently hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the repair of this vital highway, which serves as a key connection between Meghalaya and other Northeastern states.