The coal ministry has granted mining leases for coal blocks in Meghalaya, providing a major boost to the state government in the process.
It may be recalled that coal mining was banned in the state by the Nation Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014 after ill-practices related to coal extractions were revealed, which had led to several accidents.
The Supreme Court had initially lifted the ban in Jul’19 stating that mining would be allowed when done under the guidelines initiated under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Mineral Concession Rules.
Consequently, the commencement of mining operations was announced on 6 May’21, by approving five coal mining applications. Incidentally, the decision was taken only after a standard operation procedure for coal mining was framed by the state government.
At present, mining leases have been granted to two of the five applicants for three coal blocks located in East Jaintia Hills.
Decision to boost coal production
The approval of mining leases would not only increase revenue of the state government but also improve coal availability from the north-eastern region.
It is pertinent to note that Coal India Ltd (CIL) has suspended coal mining at its mines located in Assam under Northern Coalfields (NEC) since 3 Jun’20.
The mining giant, in its regulatory filing, had informed that mines at Tikak, Tipong, Tirap of NEC were temporarily suspended, due to the non-availability of forest and other statutory clearances.
The Meghalaya government, in particular, has shown greater interest in commencing mining operations. As per reports, the mining plan would be initiated soon, after which coal production would resume from Jaintia Hills by the early 2022.
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