SHILLONG : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said the state government is actively pursuing amendments with the Centre to the 100-hectare condition for coal mining, while continuing with mining plans already approved by central authorities.
The Chief Minister was responding to demands from coal miners in Jaintia Hills seeking a policy better suited to the state’s unique landholding patterns.
“We are moving with the Government of India. We are asking them to amend that particular part,” Sangma said.
He explained that when the 100-hectare condition was introduced, the state chose to proceed within the existing framework rather than delay the process.
“At that time, instead of arguing, we felt it was important to move ahead and start the mining process by obtaining necessary approvals. We have achieved that, and now the next phase is to work towards amendments,” he stated.
Sangma said the government is currently engaged in sustained lobbying efforts with the Centre, though he acknowledged that the process is complex.
“We are hopeful of a positive response, but it requires detailed groundwork and continuous engagement with officials, ministers, and even at the highest levels,” he said.
He further noted that any change in policy at the national level could have wider implications, as other states may also seek similar relaxations.
“It is not a simple decision. If one state is given special provisions, others may also demand the same,” he added.
On the ongoing debate over open cast versus tunnel mining, the Chief Minister said such decisions are taken by expert agencies at the central level.
“Every method has its pros and cons. These are technical matters assessed by competent authorities, and approvals are granted accordingly,” Sangma said.
He explained that factors such as environmental impact, including water flow during rainfall in open cast mining, are carefully examined before approvals are granted.
At present, he reiterated, the state will continue to follow mining plans cleared by central authorities while pushing for policy changes that better reflect local conditions.