Meghalaya: 26,000 Rat Hole Coal Mines Still Operating

10 May 2024 CW Team

Despite being banned a decade ago, approximately 26,000 rat hole coal mines in Meghalaya remain operational, according to a report by the Meghalaya High Court panel. This revelation underscores the persistent challenges in enforcing regulatory measures and addressing environmental concerns in the region's coal mining sector.

The report highlights the failure to shut down rat hole coal mines despite the imposition of a ban on their operation ten years ago. Rat hole mining, a hazardous and environmentally damaging practice, involves digging narrow tunnels to extract coal, posing risks to miners' safety and causing ecological degradation.

The continued operation of these mines raises questions about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight and enforcement mechanisms in Meghalaya's coal mining industry. Despite regulatory interventions and judicial directives, the practice of rat hole mining persists, indicating systemic shortcomings in governance and compliance.

Moreover, the proliferation of rat hole coal mines exacerbates environmental degradation and poses risks to local communities and ecosystems. The unregulated extraction of coal has led to land subsidence, water pollution, and deforestation, impacting the region's biodiversity and contributing to ecological imbalance.

The findings of the Meghalaya High Court panel underscore the urgent need for stronger regulatory enforcement and proactive measures to address the legacy of unregulated coal mining in the state. Efforts to curtail illegal mining activities and promote sustainable alternatives are essential to safeguarding environmental integrity and ensuring the well-being of local communities in Meghalaya.

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