Shillong, May 26: The East Jaintia Hills Coal and Minerals Supplier Association has called for formulation of a Meghalaya-specific legal framework tailored for small, scientific underground coal mining.
According to the association, the unique geological conditions of the state, characterised by thin and discontinuous coal seams, along with challenging hilly terrain and traditional land ownership system requires a policy to protect ecology and jobs.
Leaders of the association, led by president Hambertus Nongtdu today met Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council CEM Thombor Shiwat with the suggestion.
Stating that the existing regulatory framework is ill-suited for the small-scale miners and does not account for Meghalaya’s unique geological and legal landscape, the association stated that the envisioned policy seeks to establish regulated, safe, and sustainable mining operations conducted by local tribal stakeholders.
This approach aims to protect the environment and the constitutional rights of the communities involved, ultimately reviving hopes for coal-dependent areas of East Jaintia Hills that have been struggling due to unemployment and economic challenges, the association added.
Secretary of the association, Deibor Suchiang said the CEM assured that the matter would be discussed in the next session of the JHADC. If approved, the resolution will be forwarded to the state government to implement essential measures to support small-scale underground mining policy.
