Shillong, Oct 23: A committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Coal had made positive noises to a proposal to reduce the size of land required for so-called scientific coal mines from the present 100 hectares.
The committee has been tasked with examining small-scale coal mining in Meghalaya.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today met Coal Ministry officials in Shillong where they discussed the progress made by the committee so far.
Last week a technical team from the Centre along with officials of the state Directorate of Mineral Resources visited coal-bearing areas in East Jaintia Hills and Khasi Hills. The team examined existing mining methods and discussed how scientific mining can be adapted to Meghalaya’s geology and fragmented land ownership pattern.
The state government has proposed reducing the minimum mining area from 100 hectares to 5-10 hectares.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Jaiñtia Coal Miners and Dealers Association (JCMDA) along with the State Coordination Committee of coal associations today gave further details of what the Coal Ministry committee might decide.
JCMDA Adviser P Nongtdu said that open cast mining is infeasible in Meghalaya. “The committee said the mining area should not be less than 100 hectares. We argued that, considering the land holding system and terrain of this region, it be reduced to 5 hectares so that coal owners can operate.”
According to Nongtdu, the committee members did not guarantee that the requirement would be lowered to 5 hectares but appeared to be willing to consider a reduction.
The Coal Ministry officials had also suggested that landowners form cooperative societies in order to mine large areas but the JCMDA declined to accept this proposal, though its members appear to be willing to consider working together in a less formal way.
Discussions were also held on safety measures for miners, environmental protection and provisions under Mines Act 1952 for safety and assistance in case of accidents.
