Shillong, Jul 11: Coal-dependent families in East Jaintia Hills have renewed their demand for a regulated resumption of mining, stating that the ban has left thousands without stable income.
During a meeting of the Jaintia Coal Miners & Dealers Association (JCMDA) held Saturday at Khliehriat West Community Hall, families said they are feeling the financial pinch as their primary source of livelihood is put on hold.
Demanding for regulated resumption of mining, the community members expressed their frustrations and the dire consequences they face.
Local MLAs, Santa Mary Shylla and Kyrmen Shylla acknowledged the challenges brought on by the mining ban and said they are committed to addressing the issue with the central government.
Santa Mary told the gathering that Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma recently met Union Minister of Coal G. Kishan Reddy. “There were some positive results from that meeting,” she said, adding, “People may accuse MLAs of making empty promises, but this matter requires following many procedures.”
She said she along with Kyrmen are exploring ways to resume mining — “not on the same scale as before, but through proper procedures.” She also argued that open-cast mining is not viable locally because coal seams are only 3–6 ft deep and would cause environmental damage.
Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla said the district must balance resource use with environmental restoration, including tree plantation and water-body filtration. He urged unity among stakeholders and defended the JCMDA leadership, saying the association’s president “stands up for poor families who rely on coal mining.”
Shylla added that over the last three months, JCMDA representatives have met the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and other officials to seek a review of the mining ban.
The meeting was also attended by several JHADC MDCs, JCMDA executives, JNC president, NGO representatives, and small coal business owners. The gathering ended with a resolution to pursue “regulated, environmentally compliant mining” as an alternative to a complete ban.
