We can introduce safety measures, filter water before releasing it into streams, and avoid earth cutting, which will not damage the surface of the earth. – Kyrmen Shylla, MLA, Khliehriat
Shillong, April 8: Former cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla has sought government permission for resumption of “traditional coal mining” with standard operating procedures (SOPs) to address emerging concerns over the current policy’s impact on livelihood and environment.
Asserting that people just don’t want to break the law, the UDP MLA from Khliehriat said, “People never want to do anything illegal. It is just that we want the government to give us the SOPs so that we can follow what needs to be done.”
Expressing his support to the public rally conducted by Jaintia Coal Miners and Dealers Association’s (JCMDA), Shylla stressed that the NGT’s ban on coal mining has not contributed to environmental protection, but rather led to increased illegal activities.
He suggested that traditional mining, with added safety measures, could be a viable solution.
“We can introduce safety measures, filter water before releasing it into streams, and avoid earth cutting, which will not damage the surface of the earth,” Shylla explained.
The legislator emphasised that people are forced to engage in illegal mining due to lack of alternatives, and urged the government to provide SOPs to enable them to work legally.
“People need to join hands with the government to do it the right way,” he said.
