SHILLONG: The MLA of Khliehriat Constituency and former state minister, Kyrmen Shylla, has expressed deep concern over the critical state of drinking water in the Jaintia Hills region, which has been severely affected by coal mining and the unscientific dumping of coal.
In this regard, he shared that he recently conducted a personal inspection of several villages containing water sources that are still usable. He was accompanied by officials from the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department and local village leaders to ensure that necessary steps are taken to protect and preserve these water sources.
During the inspection, particularly in East Jaintia Hills, it was discovered that numerous water sources have been polluted due to coal mining activities, rendering them completely unfit for consumption. Consequently, Shylla stated that the primary objective now is to identify the remaining clean water sources in order to protect them and ensure water supply to various villages.
He described this as a crucial initiative that has received full support from local residents, while PHE officials have promised to swiftly prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to be submitted to the concerned department for securing the required funding to preserve these water bodies in Jaintia Hills.
Kyrmen Shylla expressed his confidence that the PHE department, the PHE minister, and the Chief Minister will take this matter seriously. He noted that the Chief Minister never neglects the Jaintia Hills region and has consistently accepted and implemented development proposals from the area rather than rejecting them.
Reflecting on past coal mining practices, which he admitted were unscientific and unregulated, Shylla stated that regulations must now be framed to properly maintain coal storage sites and manage water usage to prevent toxic runoff into local rivers. Currently, a proposal is being prepared with the assistance of consultants who are providing guidance on drafting the document.
This will be submitted to the state government for review before being forwarded to the central government to facilitate the resumption of coal mining. He emphasized that the issue of coal mining is not a struggle of a single individual or a single political party, but rather a collective cause for all citizens as it impacts everyone, meaning everyone must fight together until the mining ban is lifted.
He further pointed out that water samples have already been collected from several villages, and a DPR is being prepared to ensure the water is safe for use and free from contamination before submission to the state government.
Regarding abandoned coal mines that require at least 100 hectares of land—a requirement that forces residents with smaller landholdings to leave them abandoned—Shylla revealed that funds are available from a scheme funded by coal royalties. Under this scheme, local residents can apply for financial assistance to reclaim and close these mine pits, especially those located near residential areas.
On the prospect of resuming mining, he asserted that there should be no room for doubt because the people of Jaintia Hills are currently fighting for their rights, and having doubts would only demoralize the struggle to restore coal mining in the state. He added that 12 years is a very long time to endure the ban, and it is high time for the government to gather all necessary data to present a strong case for scientific coal mining.
He reiterated that it is time to compile all information and submit the proposal to the Chief Minister for onward submission to the central government, as they cannot afford to let the opportunity slip away this time.
Observing that opencast mining, as practiced elsewhere, is not feasible in the Jaintia Hills region, he stressed that while it might work in other places, Jaintia Hills requires a different approach, making it necessary to reform the system and take appropriate measures. Ultimately, the immediate priority is to present this matter to the state government, as it bears the responsibility to address the issue and oversee its implementation.
Once the proposal is submitted to the Chief Minister, Shylla expressed full faith that the Chief Minister will take the necessary actions, as he is known for finding ways to resolve the grievances of the citizens.
