Shillong: The first-ever commercial transportation of scientifically mined coal in Meghalaya began on Wednesday.
Two coal-laden trucks—one bound for Bihar and another for Uttar Pradesh—were ceremonially flagged off at 17th Mile, Byrnihat, near Guwahati, by a traditional Khasi king.
The consignment came from the Saryngkham-A coal mine at Byndihati in East Jaintia Hills, operated by leaseholder Dapmain Shylla.
The mine, which was inaugurated on March 17 by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, is the first among the state’s newly approved scientific coal mining projects.
The transportation of coal from Meghalaya is expected to significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported coal.
This milestone follows agreements signed in January 2024 between the Centre and three miners from Meghalaya.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a blanket ban on coal mining in Meghalaya in 2014 due to widespread safety and environmental concerns associated with traditional, unscientific “rat-hole” mining.
This practice had resulted in numerous mining-related fatalities, particularly in the coal-rich Jaintia Hills region.
The ban was lifted in 2019 after the state successfully petitioned the Supreme Court to allow scientific mining.
Local traders voiced their optimism, believing the initiative would boost the regional economy and bring transparency to the sector.
Prior to the 2014 ban, coal mining generated approximately Rs 700 crore in annual revenue for Meghalaya.
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The Meghalaya government and Coal India Limited have, till now, appointed 12 lessees for scientific mining to curb illegal mining and ensure sustainable extraction.
This transportation with legally valid GST papers will also stop illegal coal trade where traders have to pay Rs 3 lakh to cross Meghalaya, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar as ‘goonda tax’.
