After nine years, mining is about to start up again in Meghalaya. Out of the 17 applicants for prospecting licences, the Union Ministry of Coal has granted approval for four mining leases. Project Proponents, a coal mining lease holder, expressed their sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, by congratulating him for this achievement that bodes well for providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to the citizens and income to the state's coffers in recognition of State Government's persistent and determined efforts under the leadership of Conrad K. Sangma towards initiating Scientific Mining in Meghalaya. At Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills, the felicitation programme took place.
After nine years, coal mining will start up again in the state of Meghalaya. Beginning scientific mining will represent a turning point in Meghalayan history because it ensures minimal environmental effect through ethical and legal extraction methods. A total ban on coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya was imposed by the National Green Tribunal in April 2014, severely
harming the state's tax revenue. According to the GSDP, the mining sector saw negative growth as a result of this decision, which dealt a serious blow to Meghalaya's plans to meet its revenue collection targets. This NGT ban had a disastrous impact on the local economy. Locals still suffer the effects of the prohibition as they struggle to make ends meet.
The state administration, a brave and courageous action was taken in July 2019 when the state government, led by Conrad K. Sangma, contested the NGT order, which led to the Supreme Court upholding the rights of tribal people to the natural resources on their territory, including coal. According to the Supreme Court, both private and community landowners possess surface rights as well as subsurface rights, and both groups are the owners of minerals.
I would like to thank the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma for working hard and tirelessly to make this happen. I'm hopeful that everything would work out as planned, in the days to come. One of the licence owners, Leborlang Lyngdoh, seemed pleased with the state government for this laudable effort. As a licensee, I'm incredibly appreciative of the chance given to me. To prosper, we shall work together.
"Our government has been working hard to get mining going again in the state. As a result of these protracted efforts, Scientific Mining is beginning to take shape, and Meghalaya's mining industry will undergo significant change. The misery that the people experienced as a result of the ban served as our inspiration to work relentlessly to see that it is abolished. The start of scientific mining will make it easier for the people of Meghalaya to benefit from our natural resources. Scientific mining will not only assure sustainable extraction and little environmental damage, but it will also give thousands of Meghalayan villagers decent jobs. In the coming years, the economy's movement and its effect on the state's GDP will be quite noticeable.Conrad K. Sangma said.
