Shillong, Feb 16: Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar today stated that since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on rat-hole coal mining, upheld by the Supreme Court, thousands of people who depended on coal mining have lost their livelihoods.
Addressing the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on the opening day of the Budget Session, Vijayashankar said that the state has been working tirelessly to transition the sector toward scientific and sustainable mining practices.
The Governor pointed out that as a result, three applicants have now received final approval and have begun scientific mining operations, with coal being transported across the country by road and rail.
He also informed that additionally, 20 more applications have been forwarded and are currently in advanced stages of clearance, marking steady progress toward restoring livelihoods while ensuring environmental responsibility.
He also informed that in light of the recent tragic mining incident in Mynsngat-Thangsko area in East Jaintia Hills, the government has decided to constitute a Judicial Inquiry Commission under the Commission of Inquiry Act to investigate the incident.
