SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has acknowledged the complexities surrounding the issue of coal mining in the state, saying that it is not a simple matter of declaring it illegal overnight.
“I have repeated this a hundred times… Two things here – 2014 and before for 200 years, the mining was done in the way rat hole or tunnel mining, whatever you called it, and lakhs and lakhs of families were involved in this and suddenly you come and say the same thing which was okay and legal for 200 years is from tomorrow illegal,” Sangma said.
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The Chief Minister emphasized that the sudden change has caused a shock to the people, especially the miners, who are struggling to adapt to the new reality. “Obviously, it was a big shock to the people, especially to the miners. Therefore, it takes time for them to come out of that mode where livelihood and their families and lives are dependent on that and other businesses are dependent on it.”
Sangma defended the government’s actions, saying that they have taken steps to implement the ban on illegal mining, including filing thousands of cases, chargesheets, and closing down mines. “Whenever there have been cases where we have been given information about facts that illegal mining has been happening, the government has acted.”
However, he also emphasized the need for alternative livelihoods for those affected by the ban. “For livelihood to be sustainable in the long run, alternatives have to be given to people. Now, if you want an alternative to mining, you have to come with scientific mining.”
Sangma assured that the government is working towards transitioning to a safer and more scientific mining system but acknowledged that it will take time. “The process is on. We have seen that transition from rat hole to scientific and safer mining happening. It is going to happen, but it takes time because people have to invest, adapt, and file for different procedures, get permission from Delhi, Coal Ministry, CMPDCIL, government of Meghalaya – so it is going to take time.”
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The Chief Minister then appealed for understanding on the social and humanitarian aspects of the issue, saying that the government is committed to implementing the rule of law while also considering the livelihood needs of the people. “While we look at the administration and judicial aspect to it, we also need to realize the social aspect, the livelihood aspect, and understand the humane side of why this is happening.”
“We will continue to implement the law, but we also need to find alternative livelihoods for the people,” Sangma added.