Khliehriat, Jun 26: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) has raised concerns over the implementation of the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF), established following the National Green Tribunal’s ban on coal mining in 2014, aiming to support environmental restoration and rehabilitation efforts.
According to the JNC, 10 per cent of the revenue from coal transportation should be allocated for rehabilitating areas affected by coal mining and assisting families negatively impacted by these activities. However, information acquired through the Right to Information (RTI) act shows lack transparency as information was not available.
The JNC, led by president Sambormi Lyngdoh, took up the issue with Adviser to the Mining and Geology Department, Kyrmen Shylla on Friday calling for comprehensive surveys of affected families and the prompt disbursement of financial assistance from the fund.
Lyngdoh stated that over ₹400 crore is reportedly available within the fund.
Questioning the implementation of the fund, Lyngdoh said that while the decline in economic activity in East Jaiñtia Hills and across Meghalaya following the coal mining ban is widely recognised, it is equally important that funds specifically created for the rehabilitation of affected people are utilised for their intended purpose.
“If substantial funds are available under the MEPRF, they should reach the beneficiaries they were meant to serve. While the fund is also intended for environmental protection and restoration, there must be transparency and accountability in its utilisation. We are determined to find out how these funds have been used,” Lyngdoh said.
The JNC said Shylla assured that their concerns would be addressed with the minister in charge of mining and geology.
