Illegal coal mining

By Our Reporter  

SHILLONG, JAN 27: The State Co-ordination Committee of Coal Owners, Miners & Dealer’s Forum (SCCCOMDF) on Friday demanded action against those involved in violating the NGT orders by illegal mining coal in the state. In a statement, SCCCOMDF chairman Sonny L Khyriem said, “The state government should act upon media reports pertaining to the illegal mining of coal being carried out and let the law take its own course of action on those found violating the direction of National Green Tribunal (NGT).”

The statement came after newspapers report alleging that illegal mining of coal in areas falling under East Jaintia Hills district is taking place despite NGT ban. The NGT had imposed a blanket ban on coal mining activities in Meghalaya since 2014.

He informed that the forum had  alerted time and again to its members (miners) all over the state that the orders of the NGT should be valued in letter and spirit.

“We are on the job and are vigorously working towards finding a solution to protect the livelihood of all the stakeholders in the coal mining sector and also to those who are dependent for their sustenance,” Khyriem said.

Khyriem also felt that the contention that coal’s acid mine drainage  has polluted rivers is not without a remedy.He said the solution perhaps lies in environmental friendly method of coal mining and treatment of mine waste would to ensure the environment is protected while coal mining survives and thereby co-exist.

He informed that the next hearing where the forum will participate will be held on January 31, at the NGT Principal Bench, New Delhi.

He urged all miners to inform the state government if any illegal mining of coal is taking place and be patiently for a direction by the National Green Tribunal.