Khliehriat: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the state’s first scientific coal mining block, the ‘Saryngkham-A’ Coal Mine, located in Byndihati, East Jaintia Hills District, through video conferencing on Monday.
The inaugural event at Byndihati was attended by Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla, Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla, Executive Member of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) Hambertus Nongtdu, Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi, Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad, and other dignitaries and local residents.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister congratulated stakeholders, including officials, mine owners, and mining lease applicants, for their contributions in making scientific mining a reality in Meghalaya.
He specifically lauded the owner of the mining lease, Dapmain Shylla of Byndihati, for his role in this milestone achievement.
Sangma acknowledged the hardships faced by citizens, especially those directly or indirectly dependent on the coal industry, during the 10-year mining ban.
He recalled that addressing the ban was a top priority when his government came to power in 2018.
“The journey was far from easy; it was like navigating uncharted territory. But we were driven by the need to resolve the challenges our people were facing and restore normalcy,” he said.
The chief minister assured that the government is working to expedite the process for other mining lease applicants to start scientific mining operations.
“The first steps are always the hardest, as we navigate new procedures and challenges. However, with this milestone, the path has been cleared, making it easier for others to follow,” he said.
Sangma also highlighted unique challenges faced in the state due to its distinctive land rights and holding systems, which required special provisions and prolonged the process.
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He expressed optimism that this inauguration marks the beginning of a new era of regulated and scientific mining in Meghalaya, encouraging others to apply for mining permissions.
Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla thanked the chief minister for his leadership in making scientific coal mining a reality and expressed hope that the government’s efforts would help transform Meghalaya into a $10 billion economy by 2028.
The event also featured speeches by JHADC Executive Member Hambertus Nongtdu, Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi, and former Khliehriat MLA Justin Dkhar, who echoed sentiments of progress and development for the region.
