Shillong, Oct 11: A technical team of the Union Ministry of Coal, along with
officials of the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) and the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), inspected coal bearing areas in East Jaintia Hills and Khasi
Hills last week.
The team was accompanied by the officers of the state Directorate of Mineral Resources.
The visit is a follow up to the ongoing discussions between the state government and the Centre to find ways and means to operationalise small scale coal mining in Meghalaya, which has remained suspended since the ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal.
Chief. Minister Conrad Sangma met the Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, in New Delhi on July 7 and took up the concerns of coal dependent families in the state. The effort is
being led by the chief minister to revive the sector, which supports the livelihood of a large number of families in the state, while ensuring full compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
During the inspection, the team examined the mining methods practised in the areas and assessed the feasibility of resuming operations in a safe, scientific and environmentally sustainable manner, consistent with the applicable legal and regulatory framework.
The team subsequently held a meeting with senior officers of the state government. The discussions
covered the challenges faced by local miners and the technical, safety and environmental requirements for
scientific mining suited to the geology and land holding pattern of the state, along with the next steps
required to take the process forward.
The chief minister said, “Our government is committed to exploring viable options to restart coal mining in Meghalaya, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
By working together with the ministry of coal and local miners, we can develop a framework that ensures sustainable, safe and scientific mining operations’ he added.
The state government thanked the Ministry of Coal, CMPDIL and DGMS for their technical support and
continued cooperation.
Further assessments and follow up meet hheings are expected in the coming weeks. The Directorate of Mineral
Resources will continue to coordinate with the Ministry of Coal and the concerned departments to take the
process forward, streamlining .
