SHILLONG, FEB 16: Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar has said that thousands of families had lost livelihoods after the National Green Tribunal’s ban on rathole coal mining, but said Meghalaya is moving “steadily” toward regulated extraction.
“Since the NGT ban on rathole coal mining, upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, thousands of people who depended on coal mining have lost their livelihoods,” the Governor told the Assembly in his address during the first day of the budget session on Monday.
“The State has been working tirelessly to transition the sector toward scientific and sustainable mining practices.”
Stating that the policy shift is producing results, Vijayashankar said, “Three applicants have now received final approval and have begun scientific mining operations, with coal being transported across the country by road and rail.”
“Additionally, 20 more applications have been forwarded and are currently in advanced stages of clearance, marking steady progress toward restoring livelihoods while ensuring environmental responsibility,” he added
The address came days after a fatal mishap at Mynsngat-Thangsko in East Jaintia Hills, an incident the opposition has seized on to question safety enforcement.
The Governor responded that the government “has decided to constitute a Judicial Inquiry Commission under the Commission of Inquiry Act to investigate the incident.”
Over 30 workers were killed in the illegal coal mine blast at Mynsngat-Thangsko.
So far, 14 persons have been arrested after 62 FIRs (including five filed before the Mynsngat-Thangsko incident) were filed against illegal extraction of coal in the distrct.
Authorities have also seized 15,224.72 metric tonnes of assessed coal besides 25.5 kg of gelatin explosives and 74 detonators.
A special investigation team (SIT) probe has also been ordered by the Director General of Police (DGP) into the blast to ensure investigation is brought to its logical conclusion and action taken as per law.
By Our Reporter
