SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday (December 10) acknowledged that rat-hole coal mining, now illegal, has been practised in the State for nearly two centuries, making it difficult for people involved in the activity to give it up easily.
Sangma said that for 200 years before the 2014 ban, rat-hole mining had supported lakhs of families across Meghalaya.
The National Green Tribunal banned rat-hole mining in 2014, citing severe environmental damage, threats to flora and fauna, and frequent loss of lives.
Sangma said enforcing the ban is “very complicated,” given the long history and dependence on this livelihood. However, the State Government has acted on reports of illegal mining, registering thousands of cases.
The Chief Minister said that scientific mining is the authorised alternative and has already been approved. Several mines have been leased out, and scientific coal extraction has begun in Meghalaya.
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He added that the transition from traditional rat-hole mining to safe, regulated practices will take time.
“People have to invest, adapt, complete various procedures, and secure permissions from both the Union Coal Ministry and the State Government. So it is going to take time,” Sangma said.
Disclaimer: All information in this article is drawn from publicly available sources and/or insights provided by the experts consulted.