Coal mining in Meghalaya restarted after 10-year NGT ban under a scientific framework
Coal mining in Meghalaya restarted after 10-year NGT ban under a scientific framework
Digital Desk: Ten years after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned coal mining in the state in 2014, Meghalaya has formally resumed the practice under controlled and scientific frameworks.
Two coal blocks in Meghalaya—Saryngkham A Coal Block in East Jaintia Hills district and Pyndengshahlang Coal Block in West Khasi Hills district—have started production following statutory approvals from the Ministry of Coal, signaling a major shift towards environmentally sustainable practices.
According to a statement released by the Coal Ministry, the Pyndengshahlang Coal Block obtained permission on May 2, 2025, and started operations on June 5, 2025, while the Saryngkham A Coal Block was given opening permission on March 10, 2025, and started production on June 3, 2025.
Following a 2014 ban, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has allowed coal mining to resume in Meghalaya, citing health and environmental hazards.
In an effort to boost energy security and promote economic growth in the northeastern states, the ministry has urged state governments to collaborate on scientific coal mining and enhancing transportation infrastructure. Notably, mining has resumed after years of legal and regulatory action.
