Allow ‘regulated mining’ to resume, Conrad tells Rajnath

SHILLONG: At a time when rescue operations are on to trace 15 miners who are trapped inside an illegal rat-hole coal pit in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma on Friday held a meeting with Union home minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi to discuss the issue of coal mining in the state. Conrad urged Rajnath to allow “regulated mining”, which does not harm the environment and compromise on the safety of miners, to resume in the state.
“The ban on mining has affected the socio-economic condition of the people who are dependent on coal. It has also led to loss of revenue for the state. There is a need to allow regulated mining in Meghalaya. Care should be taken that such mining activities do not harm the environment and compromise on the safety of miners,” Conrad, who was accompanied by members of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) and the state’s department of mining, told Rajnath and MHA officials.
Meghalaya’s department of mining secretary C Manjunath gave a presentation on coal mining, touching upon the historical background, customary tribal rights and how the ban on illegal mining is affecting livelihoods. The presentation also argued for the need to issue a notification from the President, exempting Meghalaya from the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 as per the Para 12(b) of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Act deals with the issue of regulation and ownership of mines.
“Chief minister Conrad Sangma assured Union home minister Rajnath Singh that the state will adhere to all environmental safety norms framed by the Government of India. It was also made clear that the technical committee, constituted by the state government for approving a mining plan, will have representatives of the Centre. It was also pointed out that the Director General of Mine Safety would be free to inspect mines in Meghalaya at any point of time,” an official accompanying Conrad said from New Delhi.
Following the presentation, the Union home minister gave a “positive response” and assured the delegation that he would look into the issue, the statement added.
Unscientific coal mining in Meghalaya was banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court banned transportation of coal in the state until the next hearing on February 19.