Meghalaya has received a “positive response” from the Centre on its request to allow smaller coal mines to operate, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said Wednesday, while cautioning that details would be shared only after final clearance.
The Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers & Workers Association (JCOMSWA) has asked the Meghalaya government to initiate coordinated action with the Autonomous District Councils and the Government of India to open “lawful pathways for regulated, safe, and environmentally responsible coal mining by the indigenous tribal landowners” of East and West Jaintia Hills.
UDP legislator from Khliehriat and former cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla has emphasized the need for the government to allow traditional coal mining to continue with certain modifications and establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) to address livelihood and environmental concerns.
The Jaintia National Council called on the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to pursue with the Centre for a “small‑scale scientific coal mining policy” for Meghalaya, arguing the 100‑hectare SOP norm is unworkable in the state’s tribal landholding system.
