Illegal mining in Nagaland a ‘very serious’ issue — CM Rio

KOHIMA — Terming illegal mining in the state as a "very serious" issue, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday however said that it is not the government’s responsibility to give fund "to correct" the "mistakes" of the contractors and landowners of the coal mines.

The chief minister was replying to a starred question on whether the state government allocates special fund to create awareness programmes and regulate illegal coal mining in Nagaland, on the second day of the fourth session of the ongoing 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Rio, who is also the minister in-charge Geology and Mining, told the house that the concerned contractor or landowner should bear the cost of whatever fallout since they are the ones making profit out of the coal business.

"There are reports of illegal mines in the state. The unique land holding system in the state makes accounting difficult for such mines," he said.

He also informed that currently, there are 45 Coal Mining License (CML) holders operational in the coal bearing districts of Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng, Tuensang and Mon.

The chief minister said the state government has to regulate illegal coal mining though, as per Article 371 (A), the land belongs to the people.

“But if the landowners or contractors are doing it and can handle issues on their own, there is no objection. This is an expensive affair and is done by contractors or landowners. Whoever took license for mining in the areas is responsible,” he said.

The requirement is that the contractor or landowner of the coal mines should refill the hole created, grow trees for vegetation to come back and not pollute the environment, Rio added.

MLA Nuklutoshi, who raised the question, maintained that “legal coal mining” in the state is "doubtful," and went on to alleged that the license holders of coal mines are not performing according to legal procedures.

Raising concerns about the hazardous effects of illegal coal mining, the legislator also pointed out that even if the landowners are into illegal mining, they cannot be stooped as they are protected by Article 371 (A).

Disclosing that in Mokokchung district, 50 percent of Milak River is contaminated and there are no fish, and portion of Dikhu River is also contaminated due to illegal coal mining, Nuklutoshi stressed on the need to conduct more awareness programmes before it is too late.

On preventive measures taken by the departments to tackle environmental hazards caused by illegal coal mining, Rio said that the department has been conducting awareness campaign from time to time with the stakeholders and village councils to sensitise the adverse impact of illegal coal mining on the environment and need for reclamation wherever required.

Elaborating on Rio’s reply, Deputy CM TR Zeliang informed the house that the department is conducting awareness campaign with stakeholders but is faced with difficulties due to the unique landholding system in Nagaland.

Article 371 (A) gave sole right to the people over their land and this land ownership right makes it difficult for government to enforce statutory rules, he said.

Zeliang further warned of transporting coal to the outside the state.

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