Impact of Coal Mining Ban in Meghalaya: Urgent Call for Scientific Mining

Dr. Wanweiroy Kharlukhi, a Rajya Sabha MP, highlights the negative impact of the National Green Tribunal's coal mining ban in Meghalaya. He urges the government to expedite scientific mining to restore livelihoods and prevent drug smuggling, which has escalated in former mining areas due to the prohibition.

Amid escalating concerns, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Wanweiroy Kharlukhi called on the government to address the fallout from the coal mining ban in Meghalaya imposed by the National Green Tribunal in 2014. He stressed the severe impact on thousands of families who relied on coal mining for their livelihoods.

During the Zero Hour, the National People's Party MP highlighted the crippling effect on autonomous district councils, which have suffered revenue losses. The ban also halted the collection of the state's Rs 600 crore annual coal cess, affecting public sector salaries and escalating demands for constitutional amendments to aid the district councils.

While acknowledging recent progress allowing scientific mining, Dr. Kharlukhi urged immediate government action to curb rising drug smuggling activities in prior coal mining regions, cautioning against turning Meghalaya into a drug trafficking hub.

(With inputs from agencies.)