Meghalaya has started scientific coal mining for the first time, nearly a decade after rat-hole mining was banned. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had stopped rat-hole mining in 2014 due to safety risks and environmental damage.
On Monday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma virtually inaugurated the first scientific coal mining block at Saryngkham-A in East Jaintia Hills district. He called it a historic moment and praised officials, mine owners, and lease applicants for making it possible.
Sangma said that the past 10–11 years had been tough for many people connected to the coal industry. When he became Chief Minister in 2018, his government made it a priority to restart mining in a legal and safe way. He admitted that the process was difficult and full of challenges, but they kept working to find a solution.
The government is now working on approving more mining applications so that others can also start mining scientifically. However, Meghalaya’s unique land ownership system has made the process more complicated compared to other states.
Although the ban was meant to stop illegal mining, reports suggest that unlawful coal mining and transportation have continued in Meghalaya over the years. The government hopes that scientific mining will bring proper rules, safety, and transparency to the coal industry.
