By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 10: The February 5 coal mining tragedy in East Jaintia Hills, which claimed 30 lives in a dynamite explosion at Mynsngat-Thangsko, has renewed calls for scientific mining reforms to curb illegal operations.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar described the incident as deeply unfortunate and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. He stressed the urgent need to make scientific mining policies accessible to local miners, moving from prolonged discussions to concrete decisions.
The state has engaged with the Centre for over a year to review mining norms, particularly the minimum 100-hectare land requirement for scientific leases. Dhar noted that this high threshold excludes most local stakeholders, pushing them toward illegal mining. The government is exploring rationalisation of these rules to bring small operators into the legal framework rather than marginalising them.
While the state firmly opposes illegal mining and will act against those responsible, Dhar stressed that enforcement alone is insufficient without viable legal alternatives.
He warned that without practical implementation of scientific mining for local communities, the cycle of illegal activities and recurring tragedies will persist, increasing pressure on both state and central governments to address long-standing regulatory gaps.
The Jaintia National Council (JNC) echoed these concerns, appealing directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government to permit small-scale scientific coal mining.
JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh called the blast the worst in East Jaintia Hills’ coal mining history, saying it exposed the failure of current restrictions.
He argued that the 100-hectare rule excludes most locals, forcing them into illegal mining and causing significant revenue losses to the state and autonomous councils. Lyngdoh claimed five mines were affected and noted the toll could have been higher.
The JNC also raised security issues, demanding the inquiry probe alleged illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals as workers, citing public claims and warning of threats to regional peace. It urged strict action against illegal foreigners and those facilitating cross-border labour for illegal mining.
Reiterating past representations to the Chief Minister and the Mining Department, the JNC welcomed the Prime Minister’s ex gratia announcement and Union ministers’ condemnation.
It expressed deep sorrow for the lost lives—including locals and non-tribals—and extended condolences.
