Shillong, July 7: Cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla, who represents Khliehriat constituency in the coal-rich East Jaintia Hills, has advocated for scientific mining of coal that would help preserve the environment as well as restore income generation from the “god-gifted” coal for the local people.
“It will give us back what we deserved and how we utilise the coal as it is God gifted. We should utilise it in a proper way and at the same time we preserve the environment. It is not that we destroy the environment just to get livelihood,” Shylla told reporters on Monday.
The UDP legislator also emphasised the need for the government to work hand-in-hand with the people to ensure that the environment is preserved while providing livelihood opportunities.
He pointed out the significant impact of 10 years of coal mining ban on the livelihood of the people in Jaintia Hills, who have been struggling to find alternative sources all along.
Appreciating the government’s efforts to promote tourism in the area, Shylla, however, emphasised that more support is needed to compensate for loss of livelihood due to the ban on coal mining imposed in 2014.
The government support received for promoting tourism in the areas is not enough, he said indicating the need for restoration of coal mining as primary economic activity in the region.
He said coal mining had made people afford to send their children to study abroad. “However, after the coal ban, it has affected all of us,” he said.
Four licenses for scientific mining were reportedly completed, but the current status of operations is unclear, he said.
Assurance on repair of NH-6
Meanwhile, Shylla assured that the government is committed to ensuring completion of ongoing repair of National Highway-6, despite the challenges.
The minister also acknowledged the delays in road construction in his district, particularly the Khliehriat-Ratacherra road.
Contributing the delay to the use of cement concrete which requires more time to harden compared to black topping, he also cited the challenge of allowing vehicle movement during construction, which limits the working hours and slows down the process.
Shylla appealed to the public and travellers to bear with the delays, emphasizing that the completed road will benefit the people and provide long-term benefits.
He assured that the government will do its best to speed up the work and complete the road as soon as possible.
Shylla also stated that the government is committed to completing the road project, despite the challenges, and that the benefits of the road will outweigh the temporary inconveniences.
He urged the public to be patient and understanding, assuring them that the road will provide justice to the people and improve their quality of life.
