Shillong: A powerful coalition of Meghalaya coal owners and miners met with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma this week. They want a legal framework specific to the state to restart small-scale underground mining. Current national rules force miners into open-cast operations requiring 100 hectares of land. Most local landowners cannot meet that massive threshold.
Committee adviser Wanshwa Nongtdu pushed back against the federal standards. He stated, “The objective is not open-cast mining but small scientific underground mining.” The forum argues that five-hectare leases suit local geological conditions. They prefer the room and pillar method to pull coal from thin, irregular seams.
The proposal demands oversight from the state government, district councils, and village Dorbars. It includes requirements for geological surveys, shaft reinforcements, and water drainage systems. Members also suggested a joint cell to monitor environmental impact and water quality. Samborbi Lyngdoh urged the state to lean on Sixth Schedule provisions to bypass federal constraints.
Chief Minister Sangma ordered Advocate General Amit Kumar to review the legal path forward. The meeting included Deputy CM Sniawbhalang Dhar and several local MLAs. Participants hope the move breaks the long-standing industry deadlock.
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