In a significant development for Meghalaya’s coal sector, the Centre has agreed to constitute a committee to examine the state’s request for greater authority in granting approvals for coal mining projects, raising hopes of a long-term solution to issues that have persisted since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014.
The decision followed a meeting in New Delhi between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy. Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla was also present during the discussions.
During the meeting, Sangma urged the Centre to delegate powers under Section 26 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, enabling the Meghalaya government to approve mining plans and grant statutory clearances within the state instead of requiring applicants to approach central authorities.
The Chief Minister submitted a detailed memorandum, arguing that Meghalaya’s coal-bearing areas differ significantly from those in other parts of the country. Unlike large commercial coal blocks elsewhere, the state’s coal reserves are largely distributed among small family and clan-owned landholdings, making the existing regulatory framework difficult to implement.
He pointed out that the present requirement of a minimum 100-hectare mining concession has effectively prevented many genuine tribal landowners from obtaining legal mining approvals, as few possess such large contiguous land parcels.
Sangma also recalled that the Union government had, in principle, accepted Meghalaya’s request for regulatory flexibility in 2015 and urged the Centre to issue the necessary notifications to operationalise the proposed delegation of powers under the MMDR Act and related mining rules.
According to the state government, allowing Meghalaya to process approvals locally would encourage legal, scientifically regulated mining while reducing dependence on illegal extraction. It also believes such a system would improve regulatory oversight, environmental compliance and transparency.
Responding to the proposal, Union Minister Kishan Reddy agreed that the issues raised required detailed examination and suggested the formation of a committee to study the matter before any policy decision is taken.
The Chief Minister welcomed the proposal, expressing hope that the committee would be constituted soon.
The NGT’s ban on rat-hole mining, imposed in April 2014 over environmental concerns and unsafe mining practices, severely affected thousands of families in Meghalaya’s coal-producing regions, particularly in East Jaintia Hills. The ban also led to a sharp decline in state revenue from the coal sector.
While the Centre’s decision marks a positive step, the state’s principal demands—including immediate delegation of approval powers and relaxation of existing norms—are yet to receive formal approval. The committee is expected to examine the legal, environmental and administrative aspects before making recommendations to the Central government.