Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday defended his government’s handling of illegal coal mining, saying the issue is rooted in deep economic and historical factors rather than a simple failure of law enforcement.
He noted that the practice has been a source of livelihood for communities for nearly two centuries, and sudden legal restrictions have left many families struggling to survive.
Addressing concerns raised by the opposition and media about ongoing illegal mining, Sangma insisted that the government is not ignoring the problem.
He explained that when court rulings halted traditional coal extraction methods, it abruptly cut off income for those dependent on mining, making compliance difficult.
The chief minister emphasised that enforcing the law remains the government’s responsibility, but practical challenges exist, including limited personnel and the dispersed nature of mining activities across the state.
Despite these hurdles, he noted that authorities have registered over a thousand cases, arrested and chargesheeted thousands of people, shut down numerous mines, and sent offenders to jail.
Sangma stressed that these measures show the government’s firm stance, but illegal mining cannot disappear instantly due to the economic pressure faced by families reliant on coal. “This is not an excuse for breaking the law, but an explanation of the ground realities,” he said, noting that many are willing to risk arrest to provide for their families.
He added that enforcement is ongoing: mines are being closed, offenders apprehended, and cases filed wherever violations are found. While illegal activities sometimes resurface in new areas, the government remains committed to action against such practices.
Sangma expressed cautious optimism about the future of coal mining in the state. He noted that scientific mining practices are now being implemented, coal blocks are being officially allocated by the government, and the Supreme Court’s removal of the ban has established a legal framework for regulated operations.
He believes the transition will gradually reduce illegal mining and promote lawful, scientific practices.
“The process will take time, and challenges will continue during this phase,” Sangma said, “but the state is moving steadily toward a more sustainable and legal coal mining system.”