SHILLONG – In a scathing indictment of the state’s mineral governance, VPP leader Batskem Myrboh has pulled back the curtain on what he calls the “open secret” of Meghalaya: a thriving illegal coal trade allegedly fueled by those at the very top of the political food chain.
Myrboh pointed to a history of government obfuscation, reminding the public of the tragic coal mine flooding in Jaintia Hills that served as a grim turning point. While the government previously maintained a stance of “total denial,” Myrboh argued that the disaster effectively “exposed the lies ” of the administration, proving to the world that mining was continuing despite official bans.
The VPP leader argued that the sheer volume of illegal extraction suggests a level of organization that could only exist with official backing.
“It is rather difficult for coal mining to really take place at the scale that is taking place without the involvement of those people in power,” Myrboh stated.
The “Scientific Mining” Smokescreen?
As the state pivots toward “scientific mining,” he expresses fears that this new framework may actually provide a perfect cover for old, dangerous habits.
He pointed out the following:
The Guise of Legality: Fear that “Rat-Hole” mining will continue side-by-side with official operations.
Regulatory Shadows: The difficulty for authorities to distinguish between legal and illegal sites once the industry is “reopened.”
Increased Difficulty: A warning that tackling illegalities will become even more complex when they are hidden under the veil of “scientific” processes.
