Meghalaya Begins Scientific Coal Mining After a Decade-Long Ban

SHILLONG: Meghalaya has formally opened scientific coal mining after over a decade since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) prohibited rat-hole mining. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma virtually opened the initial scientific coal mining block, 'Saryngkham-A,' at Byndihati in East Jaintia Hills district on Monday.

The rat-hole coal mining ban was first implemented in April 2014 after a petition from an Assam's Dima Hasao district student organization that pointed out river acidification caused by open-cutting methods of uncontrolled mining. Shifting towards scientific mining is a landmark step for the coal sector of the state.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sangma congratulated all stakeholders, including government officials, mine owners, lease applicants, and the owner of the first mining lease, Dapmain Shylla of Byndihati, for their contributions in making scientific mining a reality.

He acknowledged that the past decade had been particularly challenging for citizens dependent on coal mining, as they faced severe financial hardships due to the ban.

Sangma remembered that at the time of his first term as Chief Minister in 2018, the resumption of coal mining on a sustainable basis was a high priority for the state's coalition government.

Decades of struggle have finally resulted in the success of the inaugural scientific coal mining project. The government plans to speed up the process for future applicants to acquire mining permits and start operations in accordance with scientific guidelines.

"It is always problematic and challenging to the initial mining leaseholders since they are walking in new ground, but since we have created a precedent now, it will be simpler for others to trace," Sangma said. He added that Meghalaya's distinctive land rights and landholding systems presented other challenges in following scientific mining. But with persistence, the government has been able to overcome such obstacles to have responsible coal extraction.

Sutnga Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla was hopeful of Meghalaya's economic revolution, expecting that with Sangma at the helm, the state would reach its goal of becoming a USD 10 billion economy by 2028. Other notable dignitaries who attended the ceremony were Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council Executive Member Hambertus Nongtdu, East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi, and former Khliehriat MLA Justin Dkhar.

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