Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Meghalaya CM: Ending Rat-Hole Mining Complex
The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, talked about the difficulties in stopping rat-hole coal mining.
This type of mining has been happening for 200 years and supports many families.
It was banned in 2014 because it harms the environment and has caused deaths.
The government is trying to switch to safer, scientific mining, but this change will take time because people need to adapt and get permissions.
Rat-hole coal mining has been practised in Meghalaya for 200 years, supporting many families.
The National Green Tribunal banned rat-hole mining in 2014 due to environmental damage and loss of lives.
The government has registered thousands of cases against illegal mining but faces challenges in implementation.
Scientific mining has been approved as an alternative, with some mines already leased and operational.
The transition to scientific mining is ongoing but will take time due to the need for investment and permissions.
- Who
- Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma
- What
- Discussed challenges of ending rat-hole coal mining
- When
- December 10, 2023
- Where
- Shillong, Meghalaya
- Why
- To address environmental concerns and safety issues
- Location
- Meghalaya, India
- Ban Year
- 2014
- Ban Authority
- National Green Tribunal
- Ban Reasons
- Environmental damage, loss of lives
- Alternative
- Scientific mining
- Transition Status
- Ongoing, taking time