SHILLONG, JUN 26: The Jaiñtia National Council on Friday flagged a “concerning lack of transparency” in the utilisation of the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund, claiming over ₹400 crore is available but affected families have not received assistance.The Central Executive Committee of the JNC, led by President Sambormi Lyngdoh, met Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla, Adviser to the State Government’s Mining and Geology Department, to discuss the MEPRF. The fund was established following the National Green Tribunal’s 2014 ban on coal mining in Meghalaya.According to the JNC, MEPRF guidelines stipulate that 10 percent of revenue generated from coal transportation challans should be allocated for rehabilitating areas damaged by coal mining and assisting families adversely affected by mining activities.The council said information obtained through the Right to Information Act revealed gaps in fund utilisation. “When queries were raised about the number of affected families that had received assistance and the rehabilitation measures undertaken by the Mining and Geology Department, the official response reportedly stated that such information was ‘not available’,” the JNC stated.Citing the economic decline in East Jaiñtia Hills after the NGT ban, the JNC submitted a memorandum to Shylla urging the State Government to direct the District Level Committee to conduct a comprehensive survey of affected families and ensure financial assistance is disbursed from the MEPRF.“If substantial funds are available under the MEPRF, they should reach the beneficiaries they were meant to serve,” said JNC President Sambormi Lyngdoh. “While the decline in economic activity in East Jaiñtia Hills and across Meghalaya following the coal mining ban is widely recognised, it is equally important that funds specifically created for the rehabilitation of affected people are utilised for their intended purpose.”Lyngdoh added: “While the fund is also intended for environmental protection and restoration, there must be transparency and accountability in its utilisation. We are determined to find out how these funds have been used.”The JNC also referred to a recent meeting between coal mining associations and the Chief Secretary, during which the Chief Secretary reportedly acknowledged the existence of the MEPRF and its intended purpose of supporting those affected by coal mining.Responding to the delegation, Adviser Kyrmen Shylla assured that the matter would be taken seriously. “The matter would be taken seriously and would be placed before the Minister in charge of the Mining and Geology Department for necessary action,” Shylla said.The JNC reiterated that it would continue to press the State Government to ensure that the rights and interests of coal mining-affected communities are protected and that the MEPRF is utilised in accordance with its intended objectives.
By Our Reporter
