Cabinet minister and Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla has expressed strong support for the state government’s move to introduce scientific mining, hailing it as a much-needed and timely initiative.
Speaking about the situation in his constituency, Shylla said that the transition to legal and scientific methods of coal extraction will not only ensure the safety of miners but also help protect the environment.
“People would love to opt for scientific mining since it will protect the environment and there’s safety for the miners. We are for scientific mining,” Shylla said, adding that the government over the past seven years has made it possible for people to shift away from traditional, unsafe and illegal mining practices.
He acknowledged the challenges involved in the transition but remained optimistic. “It looks challenging, but in the end, nothing is impossible,” he said.
On the issue of recurring illegal coal mining, Shylla offered a nuanced view. “If a person is doing something for his survival, he or she may not see it as an illegal activity. But for others, especially if it damages their property, it is seen as illegal,” he said.
However, he reiterated that no one enjoys engaging in illegal activities and welcomed the opportunity for miners to operate within a legal framework. “By doing it legally, there’s nothing like it. The earnings will directly benefit the owner.”
