Chief Minister Conrad Sangma felicitated for initiating scientific coal mining

SHILLONG: Under the leadership of Conrad K. Sangma, towards initiating scientific mining in Meghalaya, Project Proponents, a mining lease holder for coal, extended their thanks to the Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, by felicitating him for this historic achievement that augurs well towards providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to the citizens and revenue to the state’s exchequer. The felicitation programme was held at Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills.

In a significant step towards initiating scientific coal mining, the Ministry of Coal last month approved mining leases for four applicants out of the 17 prospecting licence applicants. Coal mining is set to resume in the state of Meghalaya after nine years.

In April 2014, the National Green Tribunal imposed a blanket ban on coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya, causing a massive blow to the state’s revenue. With this verdict, the mining industry suffered negative growth according to the GSDP, and it came as a big blow to Meghalaya’s ambitions of achieving its revenue collection targets. The effect this NGT ban had on the local economy was devastating. Locals were struggling to make ends meet, and they still face the consequences of the ban. July 2019 witnessed a brave and courageous move when the state government under the helmsmanship of Conrad K. Sangma challenged the NGT order, following which the Supreme Court upheld the rights of tribal people over the natural resources in their land, including coal.

Richu Shadap, a local shop owner, while speaking on the consequences, said: “Before the ban, our local market used to be busy and used to thrive. Ever since the ban took place, we have lost everything when it comes to our businesses and livelihood.” A local resident, Phoida Phawa, also spoke about their plight: “Our livelihood was badly affected. We could not send our kids to school anymore, and local markets, which used to thrive here, stopped.

All these residents have extended their sincere thanks and gratitude to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for this laudable effort, which now provides them with the opportunity to earn their livelihood. Seemingly happy, one of the licence owners, Leborlang Lyngdoh, thanked the state government for this laudable effort, stated a press release.

“Our government has been working tirelessly to resume mining in the state, and with these long efforts, Scientific Mining sees light, and Meghalaya will witness a transformation in the mining sector. It was the hardship that the people faced because of the ban that motivated us to work tirelessly to ensure that the ban is lifted. The initiation of scientific mining will help the people of Meghalaya reap the benefits of our mineral resources. Scientific mining will not only ensure minimal environmental impact and sustainable extraction but also provide gainful employment to thousands of locals in Meghalaya. The economic flow and the impact on the state’s GDP will be very prominent in the years to come.” said Conrad K. Sangma.

Also Read: Scientific Coal Mining to Resume in Meghalaya Within 60 Days: Conrad Sangma

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