Shillong, August 7: Representatives of the Joint Action Committee of Stone Crusher Owners and Quarry Operators, along with workers’ associations from East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills, on Friday met Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Conrad K. Sangma seeking the State Government’s intervention over issues arising from the implementation of the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules (MMMCR) and the Meghalaya Minor Mineral (Storage and Transportation) Rules, 2022, following recent directions of the Meghalaya High Court.
The delegation was represented by Egenstar Kurkalang, a member of the Joint Action Committee of Stone Crusher Owners and Quarry Operators, and Mosalandar Marngar, representing workers’ associations from East Khasi Hills and the Ka Seng ki Nongkhaii, Nongtrei bad Nongkit Maw Kit Shyiap of West Khasi Hills.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the Chief Minister at his official residence, the representatives said the discussions focused on the challenges being faced by quarry owners, stone crusher operators, transporters and thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on the mining sector.
Kurkalang said the delegation informed the Chief Minister that while they fully respect the Meghalaya High Court’s directions and support the regulation of mining activities in accordance with the law, the present implementation of the rules has created significant practical difficulties.
He said many genuine operators have been unable to continue their businesses due to complex procedures related to permits, storage, transportation and documentation. According to him, the impact extends beyond business owners to thousands of labourers, truck drivers, machine operators and others whose families rely on the sector for their livelihood.
The delegation urged the government to simplify procedures under the MMMCR and the Storage and Transportation Rules, 2022, without compromising environmental protection or legal compliance. They stressed that the objective should be to curb illegal mining while ensuring that legitimate operators are not subjected to unnecessary hardship.
They also appealed to the government to engage all stakeholders before introducing any further changes to the rules. According to the delegation, policies affecting such a large sector should be formulated in consultation with quarry owners, crusher operators, transporters, workers and local communities to ensure that practical concerns are adequately addressed.
Highlighting the sector’s contribution to the State’s economy, the representatives said mining and quarrying provide direct and indirect employment to thousands of people across Meghalaya. They cautioned that prolonged disruptions in mining, stone crushing and transportation activities could have serious economic consequences and adversely affect the livelihoods of many families.
The delegation further requested the government to examine whether suitable amendments or modifications could be made to the existing rules to enable legal operators to continue their activities while ensuring transparency, environmental safeguards and compliance with the law.
According to the representatives, Chief Minister Dr. Conrad K. Sangma gave them a patient hearing and assured them that the government is aware of the concerns raised by stakeholders. They said the government has already initiated discussions on the issue and constituted a committee to examine the matter in detail.
The committee, they said, will study the implementation of the rules, consider the concerns raised by various stakeholders and recommend practical, legally sustainable measures that are in conformity with the directions of the Meghalaya High Court.
Expressing optimism after the meeting, the delegation said they are confident that the State Government will work towards a balanced solution that protects the environment, complies with judicial directions and safeguards the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on the mining and quarrying industry.
They also appealed to the government to take an early decision, stating that the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the rules has created anxiety among quarry owners, transporters and workers across several districts of Meghalaya. They expressed hope that continued dialogue between the government and stakeholders would lead to a practical and long-term solution benefiting both the State and its people.
