Meghalaya MP Urges Centre To Fast Track Scientific Coal Mining And Tackle Drug Threat
Meghalaya has called on the central government to expedite scientific coal mining, citing both economic and social concerns. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on December 18, National People’s Party MP Dr Wanweiroy Kharlukhi stressed that the long-standing ban on mining has eroded livelihoods and created conditions that have contributed to rising drug smuggling in former coal-producing regions. Authorities are being urged to approve regulated, sustainable extraction methods without delay.
Coal mining has traditionally been a significant source of employment in Meghalaya, particularly in rural districts where alternative opportunities are limited. While environmental and safety concerns prompted authorities to impose strict bans on traditional mining, analysts note that the absence of legal extraction has resulted in informal, unmonitored operations. These unregulated pockets have increased economic vulnerability and inadvertently allowed illicit activities to flourish.“The halt of legitimate mining has left communities economically marginalised,” an urban economic analyst said. “Some residents have turned to alternative income sources, including illegal trade networks, which now pose a serious social challenge.”
Dr Kharlukhi emphasised that introducing scientific, low-impact mining practices could revive local economies while respecting environmental safeguards. Mechanised extraction, strict land reclamation standards, and continuous monitoring could balance energy production with ecological preservation and community welfare. Officials indicate that pilot projects incorporating these methods are under discussion but await prompt central approval.Urban planners and sustainability experts highlight that Meghalaya’s predicament exemplifies a wider challenge for India’s resource-rich states: how to reconcile economic development with ecological protection and social equity. Regulated mining could secure stable livelihoods, formalise labour conditions, and curb informal economies, reducing associated social risks such as substance trafficking.Experts also stress the importance of integrating vocational training and inclusive employment initiatives to ensure women and marginalised groups benefit from mining reforms. By combining technological upgrades with community development, Meghalaya could simultaneously boost economic resilience and promote social inclusion.
The Rajya Sabha discussion reflects growing recognition that bans alone cannot address complex regional issues. Scientific, regulated coal mining, supported by robust law enforcement and community programmes, offers a viable solution for Meghalaya to restore economic momentum, safeguard the environment, and strengthen social stability.
