KHLIEHRIAT :
Public hearings on scientific coal mining in East Jaintia Hills, conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), were held at two different locations: Byndihati and Umlakhi-Wahsarang, near Pala village, on August 22 and 23, respectively.
The public hearing for the proposed coal mining at Byndihati, held on behalf of the ‘Dapmain Shylla Coal Block’, received a green signal for obtaining mining clearance from the Ministry of Forest and Environment.
Similarly, the public hearing at Umlakhi-Wahsarang for the ‘Nehlang Coal Block’ also received a green signal for mining clearance from the Ministry.
Over a thousand coal mine owners and residents of Jaintia Hills participated in both hearings, expressing support for scientific coal mining.
MSPCB officials, including Member Secretary Dr. G.H. Chyrmang, MFS, Environmental Engineers Y.F. Laloo (who chaired the meetings), and J.F. Lamurong, conducted the hearings. East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Shivanand Awasthi attended both hearings, along with other prominent district personalities, including former MLA Justine Dkhar, former District Council Member Joinriwel Pyrtuh, Dolloi, Headman, and leaders of NGOs.
