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Meghalaya seeks to reduce minimum coal mining area to 5-10 hectares
The Meghalaya state government is proposing to reduce the minimum area required for coal mining from 100 hectares to between 5 and 10 hectares. This initiative aims to integrate small-scale miners into a legal framework while addressing safety and environmental concerns.
A technical team from the Union Coal Ministry, including representatives from the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) and the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), recently inspected mining sites in the East Jaintia and Khasi Hills. The visit was intended to assess the feasibility of scientific mining methods to replace the rat-hole mining that has been banned by the National Green Tribunal since 2014.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stated that the state has proposed using scientific techniques, such as the pillar-and-post method, to ensure underground stability and prevent mine collapses. The committee’s primary focus remains the safety of miners and environmental protection.
Separately, Chief Minister Sangma noted he has yet to review an interim report by the Justice (retd) BP Katakey committee. The report highlighted issues including a 13 lakh tonne shortfall in declared coal stocks and the failure to properly close or fence abandoned rat-hole mines.
Entities
BP Katakey · Conrad K Sangma · Meghalaya · Ministry of Coal · National Green Tribunal
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The state has proposed using scientific methods like the pillar-and-post model to support mine roofs and prevent collapses. highlandpost.com · www.sentinelassam.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A technical committee from the Union Coal Ministry visited mining sites in East Jaintia Hills and Khasi Hills to assess scientific mining feasibility. highlandpost.com · nagalandpost.com · www.sentinelassam.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The goal of the proposal is to bring small-scale miners into a legal framework while ensuring worker safety and environmental protection. highlandpost.com · www.sentinelassam.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] An interim report by the BP Katakey committee identified a 13 lakh tonne shortfall between declared and physically present coal. highlandpost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Meghalaya government is proposing to reduce the minimum mining area from 100 hectares to between 5 and 10 hectares. highlandpost.com · www.sentinelassam.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Katakey committee reported that abandoned rat-hole mines have not been properly closed or fenced. highlandpost.com