SHILLONG, APR 24: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has sought exemption from the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, saying its provisions do not suit the land structure and coal seams of Jaintia Hills and have stalled mining in the region.
The JNC led by its president Sambormi Lyngdoh convened a meeting today to discuss issues facing Jaintia Hills due to the coal mining ban.
“Currently, the most challenging aspect for us is the inability to accept the provisions of the MMDR Act, as it does not align with the land structure and coal seams in Jaintia Hills,” Lyngdoh said.
“Mining even a small quantity of coal could severely harm the environment, transforming vast areas of land into a sea of destruction.”
“Furthermore, we have proposed to the commission that we be exempted from the MMDR Act, as without this exemption, we will be unable to continue coal mining operations in Jaintia Hills,” he added.
The JNC said the commission also inquired about alternative employment opportunities beyond coal in Jaintia Hills.
“…we conveyed to the commission that one of the strategies under the ‘Save Jaintia Mission’ is for the government to implement private planning policies,” the Lyngdoh said.
“Unfortunately, it is disheartening that 80 percent of these factories are owned by foreigners, while only 15 percent are local. If the government can establish such policies, it would generate employment in our districts.”
Further, the JNC president said it had recommended skill development institutes to prepare youth for jobs in existing industries.
“We also discussed the need to enhance agricultural development, as currently, the only industries present are cement and coke factories, which contribute to environmental pollution and degradation,” he stated.
The council further pitched agro-processing units, citing local produce.
“Nonetheless, we require factories such as for Oranges (Soh Niamtra), which is manufactured in significant volumes in Jaintia Hills, to produce orange juice (UmSoh). This is essential for the operation of our product, and we have made this announcement to facilitate the commission’s efforts in presenting it to the government,”Lyngdoh said.
“Ultimately, the commission has provided us with 7 or 8 points to enable us to submit a written statement regarding these perspectives, ensuring that the remainder of our suggestions will be formalized,” Lyngdoh concluded.
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