Shillong, Jun 23: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbahalang Dhar today said the Meghalaya government will approach the Prime Minister and the Union Coal Ministry seeking relaxation in the existing 100 hectare land requirement for coal mining, arguing that the provision is not feasible for Meghalaya’s terrain and mining practices.
The announcement came after representatives of coal miners’ associations from Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and senior government officials to discuss challenges in resuming coal mining in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Dhar said the associations had presented an alternative model for coal mining after being asked by the government to suggest a workable solution.
“Scientific mining in its present form is not feasible in Meghalaya. There are too many complications. The associations came to us with their concerns and they were genuine,” Dhar said.
According to him, the miners proposed reducing the minimum land requirement from 100 hectares to around 4 to 5 hectares so that small-scale miners can legally undertake mining activities.
“For the last one month, we had asked them to come to us with an alternative proposal. Yesterday they gave us their presentation, and it was impressive. They want us to request the Government of India to reduce the 100 hectare requirement to a smaller scale so that small-time miners can carry out mining,” he said.
Dhar said the state government supports the proposal and will immediately take up the matter with the Centre.
“As a state government, we agree with their demands and support them. We will approach the Union Coal Ministry and request special consideration for Meghalaya, as the present scientific mining model is not feasible for the state,” he said.
The minister also said the government would explore whether other states have been granted exemptions based on geographical conditions.
When asked why the government had not identified the issue before promoting scientific mining as the solution to lift the coal mining ban, Dhar admitted that the challenges became clear only later.
“I agree that we never looked at it in that way because we did not fully know what type of mining would eventually be carried out. Our first priority was to complete one step and get the ban lifted. Open-cast mining is not feasible in Meghalaya,” he said.
Dhar maintained that the over 12-year ban on coal mining has had a severe impact on the livelihoods of people dependent on the sector.
He added that the government is now examining whether a mining model suited to Meghalaya’s geography can be developed while complying with environmental and regulatory requirements.
