SHILLONG, APR 16: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said the state government is pursuing amendments with the Centre to the 100-hectare condition for coal mining in Meghalaya, but pending any change, it will go ahead with mining plans already approved by central authorities.
“We are moving with the Government of India. We are asking the government of India to amend that particular part,” Sangma said, responding to demands from coal miners in Jaintia Hills for a mining policy suited to local land conditions.
The Chief Minister explained why the state initially proceeded under the existing framework.
“The reason why at that point in time when the 100 hectares condition came up rather than arguing and trying to change those aspects, we felt that it was important to get through and at least start the process of mining and getting some licences through. We went ahead, and we got it,” he stated.
“Now, our second phase and step is to exactly achieve what you mentioned (amendment to the 100-hectare condition),” he added.
Sangma said the government is actively lobbying New Delhi, though the process is not straightforward.
“I am hopeful that we will get a positive response but as you understand it requires a lot of homework, a lot of lobbying at the Government of India level and meeting all the different officials, meeting the minister, meeting the Prime Minister,” he said adding “We are doing our homework. We are on it but it is taking time as I said because it is not a simple decision, Government of India once they entertain one state, then you will see other states also coming and asking for special provisions for themselves also.”
“So, it is not always possible for them but we are still hopeful as I said that it will be done,” the Chief Minister said.
On the debate over open cast versus tunnel mining, Sangma said approvals rest with central agencies.
“I am not a mining engineer so I cannot comment on all the aspects but basically looking at things, everything has got a plus, everything has got a minus,” he said.
He noted that in an open cast mine, you will open up the entire mine, and if it rains, then the water will flow.
“So, all the aspects are there. That is the reason why there is a mining plan, that is why there are competent authorities, and agencies at the Government of India level. So, they check and they give the approvals and therefore as of now, we have to go with that and yes, we could argue in multiple ways regarding the pros and cons even not at a national level, even in international level, there has been large discussions on the benefits and the negative side of open cast and tunnel mining,” he said.
“So, all of these, discussions are happening but as I said, everything got pros and cons, but as of now because regulations required us to move through the authorities at central government, those are the mining plans that they have approved and as of now, we will have to go ahead with those plans,” Sangma added.
