State Should Have Provided Alternate Sources Of Livelihood To Those Affected By Cessation Of Coal Mining Operations: Meghalaya High Court

The Meghalaya High Court on Thursday emphasized the need for the State government to provide alternative sources of livelihood to individuals who have been affected by cessation of mining activities in the State.

The remarks were made after State submitted that due to sudden stoppage of mining activities, people were forced to continue with it despite the prohibition. Finding no force in this argument, the bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee, Justices H. S. Thangkhiew and W Diengdoh remarked,

"It was for the State to have taken appropriate steps to provide alternative sources of livelihood to its people..."

The Court was hearing a Suo motu PIL on the issue. While it has criticized the State on several occasions previously for its deliberate inaction to curb the menace, the Court finally recorded some progress on Thursday. It noted that effective steps have now been initiated to demolish the illegally-established or the illegally-operating coke plants. Further, State submitted that effective steps are now being taken for arresting transportation of illegally-mined coal.

The Court also took note of State's efforts towards commencing scientific mining of coal and suggested it to encourage the formation of cooperative bodies among small miners.

"It is hoped that in adopting such an approach, the State will both ensure that the revenue due to it on account of mining is not lost and that the livelihoods lost by those engaged in coal-mining is restored", the bench added.

The matter is now scheduled for August 8. Meanwhile, the Court has asked the State to file a fresh status report on the progress made in dealing with illegal mining, transportation of illegally-mined coal, and operation of illegal coke plants through the Secretary in the Mining Department.

Case Title: In Re: (Suo motu): Illegal Mining of coal in the State of Meghalaya

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