Northeast Desk, 6th July: The Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) is set to release a report on the restoration of four abandoned mines in Meghalaya—two coal mines and two non-coal ones. This decision follows site inspections conducted in the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills districts, according to media reports.
On July 5, a coordinating official for the restoration and reclamation project met with CMPDIL officials to review the situation. He confirmed that the report is currently being drafted, with CMPDIL assessing the necessary restoration plans.
Reports indicate that the East Jaintia Hills district alone contains over 20,000 abandoned mines. The official noted the challenges mine owners face in surrendering their land, and mentioned that this process has been initiated. The government’s decision to scale up the restoration initiative will depend on the report’s findings.
A solitary member panel, designated by the High Court of Meghalaya to address coal-related concerns, raised issues on May 13 regarding the slow progress in rehabilitating areas affected by rat-hole coal mining. Justice (retired) Brojendra Prasad Katakey, leading the panel, emphasized the underutilization of the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF) and the minimal project approvals.
Appointed by the High Court in April 2022, Justice Katakey’s role includes advising the Meghalaya government on adhering to directives from the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), both of which banned hazardous rat-hole coal mining in April 2014. Rat-hole mining, involving the excavation of narrow tunnels to extract coal, poses significant environmental hazards.
Read More: Rifleman Alok Rao of 18 Assam Rifles Posthumously Honored with Shaurya Chakra