Meghalaya Governor Highlights Steady Shift to Regulated Coal Mining in Assembly Address
In Shillong, the coal-rich state of Meghalaya is making "steady" progress toward implementing regulated coal extraction, as announced by Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar on Monday. During his customary address to the Meghalaya assembly on the first day of the 2026-27 budget session, he emphasized the significant impact of the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) ban on "rat-hole" mining, which has affected thousands of families across the region.
Livelihood Losses and Transition to Sustainable Practices
Governor Vijayashankar noted that since the NGT ban on rat-hole coal mining, which was upheld by the Supreme Court, thousands of people who relied on coal mining for their livelihoods have faced severe disruptions. He stated, "Since the NGT ban on rat-hole coal mining, upheld by the Supreme Court, thousands of people who depended on coal mining have lost their livelihoods." In response, the state government has been "working tirelessly" to facilitate a transition to more scientific and sustainable mining methods.
Advances in Scientific Mining Operations
The governor reported tangible progress in this transition, with three applicants having received final approval and commencing scientific mining operations. He highlighted that coal from these operations is now being transported across the country via road and rail networks. Additionally, 20 more applications have been forwarded and are currently in advanced stages of clearance, indicating a "steady progress" toward restoring livelihoods while ensuring environmental responsibility.
Judicial Inquiry into Illegal Mining Incident
In a related development, Governor Vijayashankar announced that the state government has constituted a Judicial Inquiry Commission under the Commission of Inquiry Act. This commission is tasked with investigating the February 5 dynamite explosion in an illegal coal mine located in the Mynsngat-Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills district. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of more than 30 mine workers, underscoring the dangers associated with unregulated mining practices.
Overall, the governor's address underscores Meghalaya's commitment to balancing economic needs with environmental safeguards, as the state navigates the challenges posed by the NGT ban and works toward a more sustainable future in coal extraction.
