- He said the Union Ministry of Coal has provided approval for mining lease to four licence applicants that would lead to the commencement of scientific mining ensuring minimal environmental impact through sustainable and legally compliant extraction procedures.
- Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma felicitated in recognition of Meghalaya’s historic achievement towards initiating Scientific Coal Mining
- Felicitation programme at Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills was organized by Project Proponents, a mining lease holder for coal
- In July 2019, the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance challenged the NGT order following which the Supreme Court upheld the rights of tribal people over the natural resources in their land, including coal, but upheld the ban on unscientific mining and transportation.
NE NEWS SERVICE
SHILLONG, MAY 8
Coal mining is set to resume in Meghalaya after nine years, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Wednesday.
He said the Union Ministry of Coal has provided approval for mining lease to four licence applicants that would lead to the commencement of scientific mining ensuring minimal environmental impact through sustainable and legally compliant extraction procedures.
“In a significant step towards initiating scientific coal mining, the Ministry of Coal had last month provided approval for mining lease to four applicants out of the 17 prospecting licence applicants,” Sangma said.
He said the mining will follow scientific procedures ensuring minimal environmental impact through sustainable and legally compliant extraction procedures.
According to the chief minister, as part of scientific mining, reclamation of coal mining areas and use of advanced technologies such as remote sensing, aerial surveys and 3D modelling would be prioritised, and environmental impact would be mitigated significantly.
The National Green Tribunal had in April 2014 imposed a blanket ban on coal mining and transportation of coal in Meghalaya causing a massive blow to the revenue of the state.
As a result, the mining industry suffered a negative growth of (-) 59.36 per cent and the GSDP registered a negative growth of (-) 2.82 per cent, according to the chief minister.
In July 2019, the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance challenged the NGT order following which the Supreme Court upheld the rights of tribal people over the natural resources in their land, including coal, but upheld the ban on unscientific mining and transportation.
Despite the NGT ban, illegal mining and transportation continued in the state and several cases were filed in various courts, including the High Court.
The chief minister in this year’s budget session of the Assembly told the House that around 1,900 criminal cases have been registered for illegal mining and transportation of coal – 1,701 cases for transportation illegally and 203 against illegal mining.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya High Court has ordered that no coal should be exported to Bangladesh without ascertaining the origin of the coal.
“No coal should be allowed to be exported from any place in the State of Meghalaya to Bangladesh without both the state authorities and the relevant LCS authorities being satisfied as to the origin of the mineral and retaining copies of the documents that may be produced by the intending exporter as to the origin of such material,” a division bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee said in an order passed on Tuesday.
The bench while hearing a case has also directed Assam and the Gasuapara Land Custom Station (LCS) authorities to respond to the queries with regard to the huge quantity of coal exported by a company.
Assam authorities have to indicate whether it was possible for the company to purchase that huge quantity of coal from the open markets in Beltola area and whether it was the truth, the court said.
Project Proponents fetes CM
In recognition of State Government’s persistent and determined efforts under the leadership of Conrad K Sangma, towards initiating Scientific Mining in Meghalaya, Project Proponents, a mining lease holder for coal extended their heartfelt thanks to the Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma by felicitating him for this historic achievement that augurs well towards providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to the citizens and revenue to the state’s exchequer. The felicitation programme was held at Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills.
Richu Shadap, a local shop owner while speaking on the consequences said: “Before the ban, our local market used to be busy and used to thrive. Ever since the ban took place, we have lost everything when it comes to our businesses and livelihood.”
A local resident, Phoida Phawa also spoke about their plight: “Our livelihood was badly affected. We could not send our kids to schools anymore and local markets which used to thrive here, stopped.”
Heimoni Lamare, another affected local resident due to this ban also spoke about their plight “The effect of ban seriously affected our business and there was mass closure of shops. Lives of the people changed, and they were struggling to meet their ends.”
All these residents have extended their sincere thanks and gratitude to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for this laudable effort which would now provide them with the opportunity to earn their livelihood.
Seemingly happy, one of the license owners, Leborlang Lyngdoh thanked the state government for this laudable effort: “I would like to thank state government under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma for working hard tirelessly to make this happen and I’m hopeful that everything would work out as planned, in the days to come. As a licensee, I’m very grateful for the opportunity provided to me. We will work together to flourish.”
