Shillong: Meghalaya is taking its fight to New Delhi. The state government wants the Centre to scrap rigid mining rules that have killed the local coal industry. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar claims the current federal framework ignores the state’s jagged terrain.
Big mining outfits need over 100 hectares to operate. That does not work in Meghalaya. Local miners mostly work small, fractured plots. The state now wants that minimum limit slashed to just 5 or 6 hectares. They also want the power to issue licenses at the state level to keep things moving.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma already reached out to the Union Coal Ministry. He is hunting for an appointment to pitch these changes face to face. The pressure is mounting. Thousands of families are out of work because of the ban.
A delegation representing coal owners and traders met with the government recently to push for a new, local legal framework. Dhar confirmed the state accepted their primary ideas during a session with regional committees. He stated, "The government listened attentively to their suggestions and accepted key proposals."
State officials are now scouting for better mining models from other regions. They need a system that fits the local geology better than the current open-cast rules. The goal is to bring coal back while keeping environmental and safety concerns in check.
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