The Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers and Workers Association (JCOMSWA) has issued a formal appeal to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, highlighting a deepening humanitarian crisis in East and West Jaintia Hills. In a detailed memorandum, the association called for immediate government intervention to support thousands of families whose livelihoods were decimated by the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) 2014 ban on coal mining.
For decades, coal served as the economic backbone of the region, sustaining not just miners, but also transporters, traders, and small business owners. JCOMSWA emphasizes that the prolonged restriction has pushed the community into a cycle of poverty, unemployment, and social distress. The organization noted that the lack of viable alternatives has forced local youth to migrate to other states in search of work, while families struggle to afford basic education for their children.
While acknowledging the severe environmental degradation caused by historical “rat-hole” mining—including the pollution of the Myntdu and Lukha rivers—the association clarified that they are not seeking a return to unregulated practices. Instead, they are advocating for a legal, regulated, and environmentally responsible framework for coal extraction.
The memorandum urges the state government and the Autonomous District Councils to collaborate with the Center to establish a lawful pathway for mining in Sixth Schedule areas. Additionally, JCOMSWA is demanding targeted social welfare schemes, skill development programs, and rehabilitation for those who have lost their primary source of income. Without a balanced approach that addresses both ecological concerns and economic survival, the association warns that the “double burden” of environmental loss and financial ruin will continue to haunt the people of Jaintia Hills.