Shillong Aug 7: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Tourism Minister, Metbah Lyngdoh and MLAs from West Khasi Hills were felicitated by the Hima Nongstoiñ Land Owners, Coal Traders and Producers Association in recognition of the MDA government’s role for “lifting” the ban on coal mining in Meghalaya.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated all stakeholders, organisations, especially Ka Hima Nongstoiñ Land owners, Coal Traders and Producers Association, legal teams, and all the people who played a critical role in ensuring the positive outcome of the historic judgment, which has reinstated the rights of land owners.

“Through the judgment of the Supreme Court has restored the rights of tribals and recognised the rights which will be remembered for generations to come,” he exhorted.

On July 3, the Supreme Court has lifted the ban on coal mining by the NGT, but the state should follow various Central laws related to mining for carrying out mining operations.

“A lot of people don’t understand the gravity or the intensity of this order. The order goes way beyond coal industry or it goes beyond the mineral rights that we might have. Our people are unique and the traditional laws that we’ve had must be recognised. The rights of the tribal people living in Meghalaya must be recognised,” the chief minister said.

Castigating the previous government for doing very little to challenge the NGT order on coal mining ban, the Chief Minister said, “The Opposition tried to mislead and take advantage of the collective efforts of the MDA and all stakeholders. It is sad that we had to wait for five long years to settle the matter that has affected a lot of people, who depend on coal mining and its subsidiary activities.”

The Chief Minister said that the judgment was late but was befitting as it has finally given recognition to the tribal rights over the land, the soil and the sub-soil.

“As a government now we have to ensure that mining is streamlined with proper measures followed for safety and environmental concerns. We have fought this for a long time but our work has to continue. Because of the different issues there was complete complexity and confusion in the issue today this order has been able to give a structure to the confusion that we had,” he stated.

Reminding the coal traders and land owners, the Chief Minister stressed that utmost care should be accorded to conserve and preserve the environment, so that land and its resources are conserved for future generation.

“We have to strike a balance – livelihood and protect our environment. The land and the resources are the property of the tribal people which also implies that we have to take the responsibility,” he said while urging land owners and miners not to be irresponsible, but mine the minerals with deep concerns for the nature and adhere to laid down rules and procedures.