With coal traders in Meghalaya intensifying their demand for changes to the existing mining framework and sections of stakeholders resorting to protests over the prolonged impasse in the sector, the State Government has indicated that the next course of action will depend on an alternative mining plan expected from coal traders and stakeholders, which could eventually be taken up with the Centre for policy review.
Deputy Chief Minister Snaiwbhalang Dhar said the government has already held discussions with coal traders from East Jaintia Hills and is awaiting the submission of an alternative mining plan to the Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR) and the Department of Mining and Geology. The move comes amid growing concerns among coal-dependent communities that the current scientific mining regime remains difficult to implement in parts of Meghalaya, particularly in the coal-rich Jaintia Hills region.
“I have already met the coal traders from East Jaintia Hills and we have discussed and it was very fruitful meeting in the last few weeks and months and we are waiting for them to submit the alternatives mining plan to the mining and geology,” Dhar said.
He said once stakeholders formally place their alternative mining plan before the government, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma will convene a joint meeting involving the government and coal traders’ associations from different parts of the State to examine the proposals and formulate a common position.
“After they submit the alternative mining plan, what is their ideas and suggestion, so chief minister will hold a meeting so we can have joint meeting between the government and coal traders association from different part of the state,” Dhar said.
According to the Deputy Chief Minister, traders have repeatedly informed the government that the existing scientific mining model is not suitable for the geographical and geological conditions prevailing in parts of Meghalaya and are therefore expected to propose an alternative mining plan tailored to local conditions.
“They said that the present scientific mining is not feasible for this region, that is why we told them so submit your alternatives, what is your suggestion, we are waiting for that,” he said.
Dhar said the government remains open to examining the alternative mining plan and other suggestions put forward by stakeholders and, after consultations, will take up the matter with the Union Government, as any modification to the regulatory framework would require engagement with central authorities.
“We will take their suggestions, after they submit to DDMR, chief minister till call a joint meeting and we will pursue the matter with government of India,” he said.
Emphasising that any decision would have to remain within the ambit of existing laws and regulations, Dhar said the government recognises the challenges faced by local communities and believes a review of certain provisions may be necessary if they are found unsuitable for local conditions.
“Everything is as per law, first we will have to discuss in line with government of India first, this is the problems face by our people, it seems the present mining policy does not match with the location especially in Jaintia Hills, so we are waiting alternative suggestions and as soon they submit, the chief minister will call meeting and we will have discussion with the coal association from different part of the state,” he said.
Dhar pointed out that one of the key concerns raised by stakeholders relates to the size of the mining area mandated under the present policy, which they argue is difficult to comply with Meghalaya’s terrain.
“First the area is too big as per the present policy, so we are requesting the government of India to reduce the area and point number two is, it seemed the presence scientific mining policy is not feasible with the present location in Jaintia Hills, maybe in different part of the state, so that is why, what is their suggestions, let them submit their suggestion and alternative on the table and we will discuss in the presence of chief minister,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister further noted that the high cost associated with open-cast mining has emerged as another major concern among coal operators, prompting demands for greater flexibility through an alternative mining framework that can address local realities while remaining legally compliant.
“Open cast mining is difficult as it cost a lot, that is one of the reason they request the government, since this is link with central government, we have to share this with central government,” Dhar added.
