Shillong: Former cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla has dismissed open-cast coal mining as an impractical solution for East Jaintia Hills. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he explained that the region’s specific geographical conditions make this method unsuitable despite its potential success in other parts of Meghalaya.
Shylla is currently preparing a formal proposal for the Chief Minister that suggests an alternative extraction method. This approach aims to move away from the banned rat-hole mining technique while also avoiding the open-cast system. The state government plans to review the proposal and, if deemed feasible, will forward it to the central government for final approval.
Economic struggles have persisted in the Jaintia Hills coal belt since the National Green Tribunal implemented a ban on rat-hole mining in 2014. While the state introduced scientific mining regulations, the current requirement for mines to cover at least 100 hectares has restricted progress, with only four licenses issued so far. Local miners continue to pressure the government to allow smaller operations to resume.
The Jaintia Coal Miners and Dealers Association is still waiting for a government response to its recent ultimatum. The group is working with stakeholders from the Khasi and Garo Hills to develop a separate mining plan, following an April resolution that demanded legal access for smaller mine operators.
On a separate note, Shylla addressed the upcoming Rajya Sabha election on June 18, emphasizing the stability of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance. He dismissed concerns regarding the resignation of a former UDP official over the coalition's choice of candidate, stating, "The move to field a common candidate clearly indicates that the MDA is united."
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