Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 11/02/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (11-02-2025).

Q. Illegal coal mining in Meghalaya continues despite the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) ban, leading to severe environmental degradation and governance failures. Analyze the factors contributing to the persistence of illegal mining and suggest measures for sustainable mining practices and law enforcement. (250 words, 15 marks)

Model Answer

Introduction

Illegal coal mining, particularly rat-hole mining, remains a major environmental and governance issue in Meghalaya, despite the 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban. This unregulated activity has led to severe water pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and human rights violations. Weak enforcement, economic dependence, and political patronage have allowed illegal mining to persist.

Factors Contributing to Illegal Coal Mining in Meghalaya

Economic Dependency & Livelihood Issues
- Thousands of local workers depend on coal mining for income.
- Lack of alternative employment opportunities forces communities to engage in illegal mining.
Weak Law Enforcement & Regulatory Failures
- Despite the NGT ban, mining continues due to weak oversight.
- Local authorities often fail to regulate transportation of illegally mined coal.
Political Patronage & Corruption
- Reports suggest involvement of local politicians and business groups in illegal coal trade.
- Bribery and loopholes in governance allow mining to continue unchecked.
Role of Tribal Autonomy under the Sixth Schedule
- Meghalaya’s tribal councils control land and resources under the Sixth Schedule.
- This limits the role of central and state authorities in regulating coal mining.
Environmental & Health Hazards Ignored
- Pollution of rivers like Lukha due to acid mine drainage.
- Respiratory diseases and safety risks for workers, including child labor.

Measures for Sustainable Mining & Law Enforcement

✅ Strict Implementation of NGT & Supreme Court Orders

Strengthen real-time surveillance using drones, satellite monitoring, and checkpoints.

✅ Promoting Scientific & Sustainable Mining

Introduce eco-friendly open-cast and underground mining techniques.
Implement mine reclamation plans to restore degraded land.

✅ Strengthening Alternative Livelihoods

Invest in eco-tourism, horticulture, and agro-forestry to reduce mining dependency.
Government schemes should support local communities with skill development programs.

✅ Regulating Transportation & Coal Trade

Ensure strict checks on coal transport, border smuggling, and illegal exports.
Strengthen coordination between Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), NGT, and state authorities.

✅ Community Participation & Awareness

Local NGOs, activists, and tribal leaders must be engaged in sustainable development plans.
Awareness campaigns on environmental hazards of illegal coal mining.

Conclusion Illegal coal mining in Meghalaya represents a complex challenge of economic survival, governance failure, and environmental degradation. A multi-pronged approach combining strict law enforcement, alternative livelihoods, and sustainable mining technologies is essential to ensure long-term ecological and economic balance. Meghalaya must transition towards responsible resource management while protecting the interests of local communities.

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