From perusing the High Court rulings from time to time it is obvious that the State Government has failed to prevent illegal coal mining since it was banned in 2014 and also failed to stop its transportation. This is expected unless the state itself believes in the diktat of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which is politically untenable because coal mining is the economic pillar on which elections are won or lost. If the voters of East Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills and Garo Hils where the coal mines are located are assured that the state will fight to restore their mining rights which until such time means that state will look the other way while mining continues, those politicians are sure to win elections. Candidates standing on the platform of saving the environment and restoring the rivers that are poisoned due to acid mine drainage are unlikely to win elections. Politics is a great driver of what issues can and cannot be taken up. No political party till date has spoken about the continued onslaught on the environment due to coal mining. No political Has thus far ever spoken about reclaiming abandoned the nearly 21,000 abandoned coal mines in the state and re-greening them for the sake of eco-restoration.
Meghalaya, Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma has stated upfront that it is impossible for the state to keep a check on 20,000 coal mines operating in the state. The proposal by the High Court to use central forces was shot down by the government for reasons best known to the state. Now the point is that coal mining yields livelihoods for several people in Meghalaya including for miners who risk their lives to go down into the mines which is a gamble every time since the mines could suddenly flood and claim their lives. But coal mining like the mining of limestone and boulders serve a circular economy. While some mine owners are direct beneficiaries there are many indirect beneficiaries down the line from truck owners to drivers, food stall owners and many such utility providers. The downside with illegal mining is that the state does not earn any revenue since the market has gone underground. Individuals who facilitate the transportation of such illegally mined coal namely the businessman-police-politician nexus are the largest beneficiaries of the illegally-run coal economy.
There was a time when Late PA Sangma initiated a policy where the revenue earned from coal and limestone was to be diverted to funding primary schools in the state. That was one of the best policies initiated in Meghalaya in 1988 when PA Sangma took over as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya. In fact he wanted to bring many policy changes that could affect the business lobby in Meghalaya and for which he lost his seat in 1990. It was the business lobby then that got together and compelled the state politicians who were part of the coalition government then, including political stalwarts like BB Lyngdoh to pull out of the PA Sangma-led government. It is but natural that such lessons would be embedded in the psyche of his children who are now in politics and who have no illusions about bringing change knowing fully well that such actions involve a political cost. Hence continues the illegal coal mining saga in Meghalaya even while the NGT and the Meghalaya High Court watch in dismay at their rulings flouted. Is there a way forward?
