Centre examining proposal to tweak mining rules for Meghalaya: CM

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma informed the 60-member Assembly on August 25, 2026, that the Centre is evaluating the State government’s proposal to modify mining regulations to accommodate local conditions. The Ministry of Coal acknowledged Meghalaya’s distinct mining circumstances and the necessity for a separate approach.

In response to a query raised by Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, president of the regional Voice of the People Party (VPP), Sangma stated that the Ministry of Coal had granted mining leases for 12 blocks and authorized coal production commenced in those blocks. He emphasized that the National Green Tribunal banned hazardous rat-hole coal mining in April 2014, but the Supreme Court permitted scientific mining in 2019, subject to compliance with the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, the Mines Act, 1952, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Sangma acknowledged that implementing scientific mining is challenging due to coal-bearing areas being primarily under traditional land ownership and steep coal seams making open-cast mining impractical in several locations. He pointed out that the Ministry of Coal recognizes Meghalaya’s unique case and the need for a framework balancing safety and livelihood.

Sangma also recalled a recent meeting with Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi, during which the Union Minister instructed officials to examine the issue and devise a viable solution. However, one of the major hurdles in expanding scientific coal mining is the requirement of a minimum 100-hectare area for mining leases, which poses significant difficulties for small miners who often do not possess landholdings of the mandated size.

The Chief Minister urged the Centre to consider lowering the minimum concession area and establish a unit to monitor mining activities in the State, as well as delegate powers under Section 26 of the MMDR Act to the State government. He highlighted that East Jaintia Hills district, with approximately 22,000 coal mines, complicates the implementation of scientific mining, as it is challenging for officials to ensure operations comply with the law.

Sangma stressed that illegal mining has led to the closure of coal mines in Meghalaya, adversely affecting the livelihoods of thousands. His government aims to permit mining within a legal framework while combating illegal operations. A committee established by the High Court of Meghalaya has repeatedly criticized the State government for its failure to curb illegal coal mining and transportation.