Shillong, Feb 20: The Jaintia Students’ Movement (JSM) has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma calling on the state government to make it easier for small-scale landowners to engage in scientific coal mining.
The memo was submitted on February 11. The JSM wants the government to revisit the standard operating procedures (SOPs) from 2021, specifically those that mandate that coal mine licensees have 100 hectares of land for operations.
The JSM stated that this provision puts coal mining out of most landowners’ reach, instead favouring only a few who have the means to buy up vast stretches of land.
Only a handful of licensees have so far received the go-ahead to begin so-called scientific mining, though the CM has previously stated that several more applications are under consideration.
The JSM said that central mining guidelines under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 prescribe a minimum of 4 hectares for coal mines, so Meghalaya’s requirement is 25 times larger.
What the JSM did not mention is that Meghalaya’s coal is usually found in thin seams, which may make a larger mine by area a requirement if scientific mining is to be profitable.
Meanwhile, with regard to the Thangsko illegal mine explosion on February 5, which cost the lives of more than 30 individuals, the JSM has demanded a proper and thorough investigation, fixing responsibility on those in authority who allegedly failed to take necessary action despite being aware of the situation.
The organisation further stated that if the Government has adequate funds to compensate victims of the Thangsko illegal coal mine blast, it should also provide sufficient financial assistance to small-time coal mine owners to enable them to complete the formalities required for obtaining mining leases and clearances.
