The state government of Meghalaya, under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, has been recognized for its persistent and determined efforts towards initiating scientific mining in the state. Project Proponents, a mining lease holder for coal, extended their heartfelt thanks to the Chief Minister 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.

After a blanket ban on coal mining and transportation of coal in Meghalaya was imposed by the National Green Tribunal in April 2014, the mining industry suffered a negative growth according to GSDP, causing a massive blow to the revenue of the state. Locals were struggling to make ends meet, and the effect of the ban seriously affected their businesses and livelihood. However, in July 2019, the state government challenged the NGT order, and the Supreme Court upheld the rights of tribal people over the natural resources in their land, including coal.

Last month, in a significant step towards initiating scientific coal mining, the Ministry of Coal provided approval for mining leases to four applicants out of the 17 prospecting license applicants, and coal mining is set to resume in the state of Meghalaya after nine years. The commencement of scientific mining will be a landmark in the history of Meghalaya, as it ensures minimal environmental impact through sustainable and legally compliant extraction procedures.

The locals have extended their sincere thanks and gratitude to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for this laudable effort, which would now provide them with the opportunity to earn their livelihood. As a licensee, one of the license owners, Leborlang Lyngdoh, thanked the state government for this laudable effort and expressed hope that everything would work out as planned.