There are several instances where mined areas, both during and after operations, have been restored to conditions resembling forests, and in some cases, mining activity has contributed to more green cover
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 2: Controller General of the Indian Bureau of Mines, Pankaj Kulshrestha, said that mining, often viewed as inherently destructive, does not necessarily damage the environment if undertaken in a responsible, systematic and scientific manner.
He described the perception that mining invariably destroys ecology as a “half truth,” noting that there are several instances where mined areas, both during and after operations, have been restored to conditions resembling forests, and in some cases, mining activity has contributed to increasing green cover.
Kulshrestha said India’s mining sector has its own peculiar challenges, pointing out that nearly 70 to 80 per cent of mines in the country are spread over less than 50 hectares, which makes it difficult to develop them in a fully scientific and systematic manner.
Referring to the Northeast, including Meghalaya and Assam, he said the region has significant mineral potential that remains largely unexplored.
He pointed out that compared to countries such as Canada and Australia, India invests far less in exploration and stressed that exploration should be given priority over mining.
He also pointed out that mining in areas with dense forests and significant tribal populations must be carried out with sustainability and conservation in mind. According to him, strict adherence to rules at every stage—from exploration to mine closure—and taking all stakeholders into confidence are essential for successful mining.
Kulshrestha emphasised that winning the trust of local communities is crucial for any mining project to succeed.
He added that the government is making efforts to push the development of critical minerals through multiple approaches, including environmentally responsible methods and better utilisation of waste.
His remarks assume significance in the context of Meghalaya, where mining continues to be both an economic mainstay and a subject of public concern.
The ongoing push for regulated, scientific mining has faced practical challenges, particularly for smaller operators.
At the same time, limestone mining—an important industry in the state—has underscored the need for balancing economic benefits with environmental safeguards, making the emphasis on responsible and scientific practices especially relevant.
