Shillong, April 9: Meghalaya is set to approve 11 more coal miners to begin scientific mining operations, according to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. This follows the resumption of legal and scientific coal mining in the state last month, after a decade-long ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014. The Chief Minister stated that the new approvals would primarily be granted to miners from the East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills districts.
The resumption of coal mining in Meghalaya is a significant development, expected to have both economic and environmental implications. The earlier ban by the NGT was due to concerns over unscientific and unsafe mining practices, which had led to environmental damage and safety hazards. The state government now emphasizes that the approved mining will adhere to scientific methods and safety standards. The Coal Ministry has expressed satisfaction with the new mining standards.
This move signals a potential boost to Meghalaya’s economy, which has been impacted by the mining ban. However, it also raises important questions about the long-term environmental sustainability of coal extraction in the region and the effectiveness of the new regulatory framework. The government faces the challenge of balancing economic development with ecological preservation and ensuring that mining operations are conducted responsibly.
