Northeast Desk, 31st July: The Meghalaya State Coordination Committee of Coal Owners, Miners, Exporters, Transporters, and Dealers Forum (MSCCCOETDF) has announced a series of public meetings aimed at pressuring the state government to revise its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for coal mining. The forum is demanding immediate changes to the SOP, which currently requires a minimum area of 100 hectares for prospecting licenses and mining leases.
In a statement to the press, forum member Regeenal Shylla explained that this action follows the government’s failure to respond to a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on July 2. Shylla highlighted that the SOP, published in 2021, conflicts with the Mining and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR) of 1957, which stipulates a minimum land requirement of just 4 hectares for such licenses.
“The SOP effectively excludes local landowners with less than 100 hectares from obtaining prospecting licenses and mining leases, favoring larger business interests,” Shylla said. “We demand the government follow the MMDR Act, which is more inclusive of smaller landholders.”
To raise awareness and educate the public about these issues, the coal committee plans to hold meetings in coal-rich districts across the state. These meetings aim to inform residents about the discrepancies between the state’s SOP and the MMDR Act, and to mobilize support for their cause.
Shylla also noted that a petition was filed with the High Court in April 2023, challenging the SOP. Despite numerous hearings, the issue remains unresolved. “The current SOP benefits only those with large landholdings, while sidelining local landowners,” Shylla added.
The forum’s actions reflect widespread discontent among coal miners and related stakeholders in Meghalaya, who argue that the current regulations are unfair and detrimental to the local economy. As the public meetings commence, the forum hopes to galvanize support and prompt the government to revise the SOP in favor of more equitable mining practices.