The Meghalaya government has sought an appointment with the Union Coal Ministry to press for changes in the existing mining framework, including relaxation of scientific mining requirements and greater flexibility for small-scale miners, as the State moves to address concerns raised by the mining sector over the viability of current regulations. The move follows consultations with coal traders and miners’ bodies, who have argued that the existing norms are difficult to implement in Meghalaya’s unique geographical and landholding conditions.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said a meeting with coal traders’ associations and coordination committees representing Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills was “very fruitful and positive”, during which the government heard suggestions from stakeholders and accepted their presentation. He said miners had informed the government that the present scientific mining system was not feasible in Meghalaya because it required large tracts of land. “They request us with the present scientific system it seems that it is not feasible in Meghalaya, which require large areas of land, so we are ready to move to the government of India to request them so reduce the size of mining areas, so that our local miners can do mining accordingly,” he said.
He further said, “We will request the government of India also to give us the permission at the state level for the small miners, if possible, so these are the suggestions, so we are committed and promise our people that we will move to the government of India to request as per the request made by coal miners association.”
Referring to small miners, Dhar added, “Small miners mean, 5-6 hectares, let us see, if the government of India will exempt and allow us to give license from state level, we will work that accordingly.”
The Deputy Chief Minister said the existing scientific mining model, largely linked to open-cast mining, posed challenges for Meghalaya. “The present formula, the present scientific mining is in relation with open cast, which is not possible at all and in related to rat hole, so many systems have to follows,” he said. He added that the government would study mining practices adopted in other States and formulate a framework in consultation with local miners if the Centre permits a revised system.
The Deputy Chief Minister said Meghalaya had already initiated contact with the Union government. “We have sought appointment with government of India, yesterday when the meeting was over, chief minister called coal ministry to know when can we get appointment,” he said. Stressing the economic impact of mining restrictions, he added, “It is really affecting, coal ban has affected tremendously, we saw that with our own eyes, people have really suffered, that is why we will move this with government of India.”
