Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma reiterated the government’s commitment to providing alternative livelihood opportunities to those affected by the ban on coal mining activities over the past six years.
This statement comes in the wake of recent directives from the Meghalaya High Court urging the state government to focus on creating alternative sources of income for individuals impacted by the mining ban.
Sangma emphasized that the government has consistently pursued this policy over the last six years, implementing various mission mode programs aimed at benefiting those affected by the coal mining prohibition.
Regarding plans to resume scientific mining in the state, the chief minister disclosed that the process has advanced to the public hearing stage following completion of the necessary procedures at the central government level.
He pointed out a challenge related to the absence of specific norms governing land ownership in Meghalaya, which complicates the application process for mining leases. Sangma highlighted the importance of addressing environmental considerations in the context of mining activities.
In a significant development, the Ministry of Coal has approved the geological reports of four out of 17 applicants seeking licenses for coal mining in Meghalaya, signaling progress in the resumption of mining operations.
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