HT DIGITAL
SHILLONG, AUGUST 9: Meghalaya has officially reopened coal mining activities a decade after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a ten-year ban in 2014. This represents a major move towards green and regulated mining activities in the state.
Two blocks of coal—Saryngkham A Coal Block in East Jaintia Hills and Pyndengshahlang Coal Block in West Khasi Hills—have gone on stream with statutory clearances from the Ministry of Coal. The Saryngkham A block was approved to open on March 10, 2025, and started production on June 3, while the Pyndengshahlang block was approved on May 2 and went on stream on June 5, as per an official press release by the ministry.
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The April 2014 ban, imposed by the NGT, was a reaction to indiscriminate environmental devastation, water contamination, and dangerous working conditions associated with uncontrolled rat-hole mining. The tribunal had earlier pointed out that these activities were flouting environmental legislation and creating severe health and safety hazards for miners and local inhabitants alike.
The resumption of coal mining comes after decades of legal, administrative, and regulatory work to establish a framework that guarantees mining is undertaken scientifically, lawfully, and with environmental protection measures in place. The Coal Ministry reported that this achievement demonstrates its commitment to encouraging responsible and safe mining while accessing the energy potential of the North-East.
The ministry has also requested the state governments to facilitate the development of scientific coal mining and enhance coal transportation infrastructure within the region. These initiatives, it added, will help to improve India’s energy security and make a contribution to North-Eastern state economic development.
