Landholding system obstacle to coal mines regulations in Nagaland

February 28, 2024 21 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | February 28

There are 45 Coal Mining License (CML) holders operational in the coal bearing districts of Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng, Tuensang and Mon districts of Nagaland, State Chief Minister and Minister in-charge, Neiphiu Rio informed on Tuesday.

Besides, there are reports of illegal mines in the State, however, the unique land holding system in the State makes accounting difficult for such mines, he added in reply to starred question from MLA Nuklotoshi on the second day of the ongoing budget session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on February 27.

Expressing concerns on illegal mining and its adverse impacts on the environment and water bodies Nuklotoshi expressed doubt whether the 45 CML are mining according to the procedures and laid down rules without contaminating the environment.

With numerous illegal mining going on, he added: ‘the unscientific coal mining is poisoning the streams, water bodies, environment, health etc.’

While appreciating the NLA for highlighting the negative consequences of illegal mining, Rio emphasised the need for government regulation in this matter, while acknowledging that the land belongs to the people.

“If the individuals or communities owning the land can effectively handle the issue, the government has no objection,” he said.
Rio, however, pointed out that mining being an expensive affair, it is primarily carried out by the contractors and that the village authority and the government are equally responsible.

Stating that the terms and conditions mandated that if mining takes place, the hole should be refilled and the depression created must be filled to avoid any kind of pollution, he maintained that the responsibilities lies with the contractor and the landowner involved in mining activities.

“It is not the responsibility of the government to give funds to correct those mistakes,” he stated adding that the business people involved in mining are profiting from it, and it is mandated that whoever is mining must reclaim, fill it up and also plant trees to restore vegetation.

But, if these requirements are not met, Rio said the department will take necessary steps. While reiterating that the government needn’t provide financial assistance, he asserted that the contractors or the land owner should be held accountable to do the rightful thing.

Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang said the department has been conducting awareness campaigns from time to time with the stakeholders, and the village council to sensitise the people on the adverse impact of illegal mining on the environment and importance of reclamation.

Nonetheless, he stated that the unique landholding system in Nagaland, sometimes poses challenges for the government in enforcing statutory rules and regulations concerning mining and environment.

While acknowledging the reported small scale illegal mining activities in remote villages and villages in coal-bearing districts, Zeliang however said the department faces difficulties due to the existing landholding system rights of the people.

Moreover, he stated that the livelihood of ‘many rural people living in the coal-bearing region depend on coal mining, and we cannot rule out illegal mining.’

This is a practical problem on the ground which needs streamlining of the system with the cooperation of the elected members, he added. He also pointed out that coal can only be transported out of the stated by licensed coal mining holders as per the Nagaland Coal Mining Policy. However, individuals can mine from their own lands and sell it to license holder, but are not permitted to transport it.