The rules need to be relaxed for small and marginal miners, says party general secretary
Shillong, June 25: The United Democratic Party has urged the Centre to relax restrictive provisions and amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act to protect the livelihoods of small and marginal miners in Meghalaya.
Speaking on the issue, UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne said the UDP, being part of the government through the state dispensation, has a responsibility to take up the issue with New Delhi.
“As a party that is part of the government through the state government, we must ask the central government to relax those rules that prohibit small and marginal coal miners from mining coal. The rules need to be relaxed,” he said.
On whether the state should approach the Centre for amendments to the MMDR Act, 1957, Chyne replied in the affirmative.
“Yes, the MMDR Act should be amended and the state government should also be given the power to frame rules related to coal mining,” he stated.
Chyne also backed calls for revising the Standard Operating Procedure that mandates a minimum 100-hectare land requirement for mining leases.
He argued the threshold is unviable for local miners.
“Yes, we want the government to reduce that as well so that small and marginal coal miners do not die out,” the UDP leader said.
Asked if illegal coal mining would continue until the issue is resolved, Chyne stressed enforcement is the state’s responsibility.
“That is the responsibility of the government to check. Whatever is illegal must be stopped, whatever is legal should continue. It depends on the government machinery and how they implement it,” he said.
Highlighting the human cost of the mining ban since the National Green Tribunal’s 2014 order, Chyne said the crisis extends beyond the Jaintia Hills and affects communities across the state.
“Right from 2014 we have been facing difficulties. It is not just the Jaintia region, but other regions too. I am also from the Sohra-Laitryngew, Mawkma area. People there survive by mining coal. Now they say they are going to work elsewhere,” he said.
The UDP’s remarks come as pressure mounts on the state and central governments to find a regulated solution that balances environmental concerns with the livelihood needs of thousands dependent on coal mining.
