Meghalaya to resume Coal Mining after 9 years: In release of a recent press release by the CM office, CM Conrad K Sangma told the PTI that after the period of 9 years, the state is going to resume the coal mining in the state and will resume the process of license for the applicant after ensuring all compliance had been met.
Ban on Coal Mining in Meghalaya: An Overview
In April 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a comprehensive ban on coal mining and coal transportation in Meghalaya. This ban had a severe impact on the state’s revenue. The mining industry experienced a negative growth of (-) 59.36 percent, and the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) recorded a negative growth of (-) 2.82 percent, as reported by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
In response to the ban, the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance challenged the NGT’s order in July 2019. The Supreme Court acknowledged the rights of tribal communities over natural resources on their lands, including coal. However, the ban on unscientific mining and transportation was upheld.
Despite the ban, illegal mining and transportation of coal continued within the state, leading to numerous legal cases being filed in various courts, including the High Court. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma informed the Assembly during this year’s budget session that around 1,900 criminal cases had been registered for illegal mining and transportation of coal. Of these cases, 1,701 were related to illegal transportation, while 203 were related to illegal mining.
Furthermore, the Meghalaya High Court issued an order specifying that no coal should be exported to Bangladesh without verifying its origin. The court emphasized that both state authorities and relevant Land Custom Station (LCS) authorities should be satisfied regarding the mineral’s origin and should retain copies of the necessary documents provided by exporters. The order came as a response to a case where a significant quantity of coal was exported by a company, prompting inquiries from Assam and the Gasuapara Land Custom Station authorities.
The Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, has now announced the resumption of coal mining in Meghalaya after 9 years. The mining operations will follow scientific procedures, prioritize environmental sustainability, and comply with legal requirements. Advanced technologies such as remote sensing, aerial surveys, and 3D modeling will be utilized to ensure minimal environmental impact. The aim is to mitigate the environmental consequences associated with coal mining and undertake reclamation of mining areas.
Coal in Meghalaya-an overview
Meghalaya possesses significant coal reserves, showcasing the state’s geographical potential in coal resources. The coal deposits are primarily found in the southern slopes of the Shillong Plateau and the surrounding areas. The coalfields in Meghalaya are part of the larger coal-bearing formations of the Gondwana Group of rocks. The coal reserves of Meghalaya are known for their high-quality and unique characteristics. The coal found in the region is generally low in ash content and has high calorific value, making it desirable for various industries such as power generation, cement production, and metallurgical processes. Geographically, the coalfields are distributed across several districts in Meghalaya, including East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, South Garo Hills, and East Garo Hills. These areas have been historically associated with coal mining activities due to the presence of extensive coal deposits.
