SHILLONG, JUN 23: The Meghalaya government will approach the Centre seeking relaxation in mining rules, including smaller lease areas and state-level licences for small miners, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said Tuesday.
Dhar said the proposal follows a Monday meeting with coal traders and a coordination committee from Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills, where stakeholders flagged difficulties with the current “scientific mining” framework.
“We listened to their suggestions and ideas, and we also accepted their presentation. They requested that with the present scientific system, it seems it is not feasible in Meghalaya, which requires large areas of land,” Dhar said.
Citing land constraints in the state, he added, “So we are ready to move the Government of India and request them to reduce the size of mining areas, so that our local miners can do mining accordingly.”
The state will also request the Centre to permit Meghalaya to issue licences for small miners directly.
“We will request the Government of India to also give us permission at the state level for small miners, if possible. We are committed and we promise our people that we will move the Government of India and request as per the request made by the coal miners’ association,” he said.
Dhar defined small miners as those working on 5-6 hectares.
“If the Government of India exempts and allows us to give licences from the state level, we will work accordingly,” he stated.
He noted that opencast mining, the basis of the current scientific mining formula, “is not possible at all” in Meghalaya.
The state is studying alternatives, including how Goa was permitted to mine ore under specific legal provisions.
“As of now, some states, like Goa for ore mining, have been allowed. We have to see from the law under which section they have been allowed. That is yet to be found out,” Dhar said.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has already reached out to the Union Coal Ministry for an appointment after Monday’s meeting, Dhar added.
Stressing the human impact of the NGT’s 2014 ban on coal mining, the deputy CM said, “It is really affecting. The coal ban has affected people tremendously. We saw that with our own eyes. People have really suffered. That is why we will take this up with the Government of India.”
