Meghalaya’s relentless efforts for scientific mining see light

SHILLONG: Meghalaya is all set to witness transformation in the mining sector with the previous approval of the Central Government for the grant of mining leases to four applicants.

In April 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a blanket ban on coal mining and transportation in the state of Meghalaya. With this ruling, the mining industry suffered a negative growth of (-) 59.36%, according to the GSDP at constant prices in 2014-15, thereby affecting the GSDP as a whole to register a negative growth of (-) 2.82%. The contraction of GSDP came as a big blow to Meghalaya’s ambitions of achieving its revenue collection targets.

Apart from the impact on the economy, the ban severely crippled the lives of thousands of citizens dependent on the mining sector, both directly and indirectly. Many have lost their livelihoods and had to resort to menial jobs to feed their families. Taking cognizance of all this, the Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma-led MDA government has provided much-needed impetus to revive coal mining in the state. These efforts led to the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court on July 3, 2019, upholding the rights of the people of Meghalaya over their natural resources. This historic judgement has restored the citizens’ faith in the Indian Judiciary and reflects the Government of Meghalaya’s commitment to protect the rights, culture, and identity of the indigenous people. The apex court held that private as well as community landowners have both surface rights and sub-surface rights, and minerals are owned by private and community landowners.

In a significant step towards initiating scientific coal mining, under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the State Government has approved the standard operating procedures for obtaining prospecting licences and mining leases for coal in March 2021. Continuing the momentum, the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, on April 25, 2023, provided previous approval for mining leases to four applicants out of the 17 prospecting licence applicants, a press release said.

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

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