SHILLONG : Legislators from East Jaintia Hills have renewed their demand for a mining policy tailored to Meghalaya’s unique geological conditions, arguing that existing central guidelines are unsuitable for the state’s coal deposits.
During a meeting of the Jaintia Coal Miners & Dealers Association (JCMDA), Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla said she recently discussed the issue with Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy, highlighting the challenges posed by the state’s thin coal seams. According to her, the open-cast mining model prescribed under central norms cannot be effectively implemented in East Jaintia Hills, where coal deposits are generally only three to six feet thick. She said adopting such methods would result in unnecessary environmental damage while offering little benefit in coal extraction.
Santa Mary said she and Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla have urged the Centre to consider a separate mining framework designed specifically for Meghalaya’s terrain and geological conditions.The legislators also acknowledged concerns over the prolonged suspension of coal mining but said the JCMDA has been engaging with both the state government and the Centre in search of a legal mechanism that could allow mining activities to resume within the existing regulatory framework.
Addressing the gathering, Kyrmen Shylla said the district has suffered economically since mining operations were halted and stressed that environmental restoration, including afforestation and the treatment of polluted water bodies, should remain part of any future mining plan.
He also appealed for unity among stakeholders and urged cooperation between industry leaders and families whose livelihoods continue to depend on the coal sector.
The meeting was attended by members of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), representatives of local organisations and business owners affected by the mining ban.