Shillong, July 26: Scientific mining was initiated by the NPP-led government since coal mining was banned in over a decade ago, NPP legislator Santa Mary Shylla said while urging people to give the administration time to properly implement it.
“It is only this NPP-led government that has been able to bring scientific mining to our region,” said the MLA from Sutnga-Saipung constituency in coal-rich East Jaintia Hills district.
Recalling the blow to the state’s economy by the NGT ban on rat-hole mining in Meghalaya, she said, “You remember in 2014 coal mining was banned, but we started working on it and scientific mining has now begun.”
However, the NPP MLA said, open cast mining is not feasible in the region.
She added that while efforts were underway to ensure scientific mining proceeds in an orderly manner, the process could not be completed overnight.
“From 2014 till today, we have not yet reached the goal of having proper scientific mining in place. The government has already taken steps and is working on how to allow coal mining to resume. I request that you give us time to work on it,” Shylla said.
The legislator said the government had been working to address the needs of the people in terms of coal, development and other sectors.
She appealed to citizens to acknowledge the work done by the current administration and extend their support.
“We have tried to help you. I urge you to look at the good work done by this government. I request your strong support so that this NPP-led government can bring a lot more development,” she said.
Shylla also highlighted the need for greater development in border areas of the constituency, citing challenges arising from proximity to the Bangladesh border.
Further, she urged the NPP candidate Dr DRL Nonglait, if elected in the upcoming bye-election, to raise the issue of coal mining in Parliament.
“We, the people of this region, earn our livelihood from coal mining. That is why I request you that if you become our MP, I urge you to please speak about the difficulties faced by the people in East Jaintia Hills,” she said.
She expressed hope that the NPP candidate would win the bye-election and represent the concerns of East Jaintia Hills at the national level.
