Khliehriat, Jun 20: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), East Jaintia Hills District Unit has expressed dismay over Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar’s assertion that coal mining is a central subject.
The union said the statement from a key governmental figure raises alarms about the state government’s engagement with the central authority regarding the coal mining issue. The KSU claims this reflects a lack of commitment to effectively address coal mining matters that are central to the livelihood of many in the region.
The KSU said that traditional coal mining, which has been practiced “from time immemorial,” is at risk due to the ongoing National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on coal mining since 2014. The union expressed hope that the state government would devise a resolution for this ban, stating that 12 years of inaction have led to disillusionment among citizens.
The union said the introduction of scientific coal mining is shattering those who don’t have sufficient land, terming it bias. “It is clear that there are no hardships to frame rules for small-scale mining if there is political will of the government,” the KSU added.
The KSU further urged the state government to take decisive action by convening a special session to address the state’s MMDR Act. Their demands include sending a resolution to the central government aimed at relaxing the MMDR Act to allow coal mining to resume.
Additionally, the union calls for the establishment of an expert committee responsible for revising terminology related to mining practices. They recommend replacing ‘rat-hole mining’ with ‘traditional mining’ to respect cultural practices while ensuring environmental conservation.
