Shillong, Jun 8: Khliehriat legislator, Kyrmen Shylla said that open cast mining will not be feasible in East Jaintia Hills district.
It may be mentioned that the coal miners in the district are demanding waiving some of the prerequisites for so-called scientific mining that prevent smaller mining operators.
Shylla said that the public has given some suggestions to the state government and it is now up to it to take a call. He reposed faith on Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, to find a solution and support the people.
On contamination of water due to coal mining, Shylla said that he and Sutnga-Saipung MLA, Santa Mary Shylla are trying to find water sources and preserve them. He stated that they have identified a promising new water source in Rangad village and a few other areas in the district that could provide a permanent solution for the struggling community.
He hoped that the concerned department will sanction funds to preserve these water sources identified by him with the help of people in those areas.
Shylla said that a proposal will be submitted to the government by mid-June, outlining how coal depots can be managed to prevent water contamination.
Shylla urged the people of the state to recognise that the challenges posed by coal mining. “Directly or indirectly it (ban on coal mining) affects everyone,” he said.
He called for unity in advocating for the lifting of the coal ban permanently, stressing that this is a shared struggle for the betterment of the entire community.
