The Meghalaya government wants central authority to approve coal mining plans, enabling small tribal holders to secure lawful concessions. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, urging delegation of powers under the MMDR Act. This move aims to revive livelihoods lost since the 2014 rat-hole mining ban and boost state revenue, though activists raise concerns over environmental damage and transparency.
Meghalaya's government is pursuing central approval to establish a technology-assisted coal mining framework. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, requesting the delegation of powers to approve mining plans within the state under Section 26 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
Legal and Practical Hurdles
The move aims to legitimize the operations of thousands of small tribal coal holders, who currently face hurdles due to the state's unique land ownership structure under the Sixth Schedule. In Meghalaya, land and mineral rights typically vest with individuals, clans, or communities, not the state. This contrasts with the national mining model, which Chief Minister Sangma argues does not suit the state's fragmented coal deposits. The Supreme Court's 2019 ruling affirmed tribal ownership of both land and minerals, while mandating compliance with the MMDR Act.
Economic and Environmental Concerns
Since the National Green Tribunal's 2014 ban on rat-hole mining, many families dependent on this small-scale extraction have lost their livelihoods. The state also lost significant revenue from royalties, cess, and taxes. A previous requirement for a minimum concession area of 100 hectares, introduced in 2021, effectively excluded most genuine small coal holders. The chief minister highlighted the impracticality and cost for smallholders to seek approvals in Delhi and Kolkata for modest deposits.
Technological Solutions Proposed
The state government is exploring the feasibility of tunnel mining using modern technology, including 3D mapping to identify safe entry points and risk areas. Affordable machinery and techniques employed internationally are being considered to mitigate risks, as open-cast mining is deemed unviable. The current framework, with an estimated 22,000 mines across the state, is seen as difficult to manage effectively.
Activist Opposition
However, activists remain skeptical. Agnes Kharshiing, a women's rights activist, questioned the feasibility of the plan, warning of extensive environmental damage to Meghalaya's fragile mountains. She also alleged that illegal mining persists, with local communities already suffering from polluted water and damaged agricultural land. Kharshiing stressed the need for a transparent plan that protects local livelihoods and prevents land grabs, a blueprint the state government has yet to fully present.