The district-level implementing committee meeting of the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF) for West Garo Hills was held today in Tura to discuss issues with regard to those areas affected by coal mining in the district.
During the discussion, the Divisional Forest Officer and Member Secretary, West and South West Garo Hills (Territorial) Division, Sachin Gavade, informed the members that the committee needs to identify those areas affected by coal mining in the district and prepare action plans accordingly in order to start restoration work. He also informed that the funds available through MEPRF should be utilized only for projects and for the purpose of reclamation of the abandoned coal mines and rehabilitate people who have been affected due to coal mining activities.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh, stated that, as such, there are no coal mines in West Garo Hills, however, any abandoned and inactive coal mines in the district will be identified and due restoration activities will be undertaken so that there is no threat of natural calamities later on. Further, he also directed the committee to create awareness among the people to take up other sustainable livelihood activities for their livelihood instead of opting for mining, since unscientific mining causes more harm to the environment and life of the people.
