SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government has pressed the Ministry of Coal to relax land size norms and allow scientific coal mining on small, individually owned plots, arguing that large-scale open-cast mining is both financially and environmentally unviable for the state.
The request was a central focus of a high-level virtual meeting chaired by Additional Secretary for Mining and Geology Rupinder Brar and attended by Meghalaya Department of Mineral Resources officials and State Law Secretary C.V.D. Diengdoh.
Central officials responded positively and are planning an on-site inspection in October to assess operational feasibility.
Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla explained that the state delegation, along with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), presented the practicalities of local mining—particularly in the mineral-rich East Jaintia Hills.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya: Coal Truck Overturns at Jaiaw Langsning
Shylla emphasized that current restrictions have caused economic hardship for residents and that Meghalaya’s unique, privately owned land tenure system makes large-scale mining impractical for individuals.
The state government maintains that reducing minimum plot sizes would enable local landowners to implement scientific mining practices while minimizing environmental impact.
Shylla commended Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s persistent efforts since 2019 and expressed optimism that the upcoming central inspection will pave the way for policy changes to address local economic needs and establish sustainable mining.
(4FrontMedia news)
