Shillong, June 27: The Central Executive Committee of the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) on Friday urged the Meghalaya Government to ensure the transparent utilisation of the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF), claiming that more than ₹400 crore is available under the fund for the rehabilitation of communities affected by coal mining.
A JNC delegation, led by its President Sambormi Lyngdoh, met Khliehriat MLA and Adviser to the State Government’s Mining and Geology Department, Kyrmen Shylla, to discuss the implementation of the MEPRF, which was created following the National Green Tribunal’s ban on coal mining in 2014.
During the meeting, the JNC highlighted that the fund’s guidelines provide for 10 per cent of the revenue generated from coal transportation challans to be utilised for the rehabilitation of mining-affected areas and to provide financial assistance to families adversely impacted by coal mining activities.
The organisation alleged that information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed a lack of transparency in the utilisation of the fund. According to the JNC, when details were sought regarding the number of affected families that had received assistance and the rehabilitation measures undertaken by the Mining and Geology Department, the official response stated that such information was “not available.”
Expressing concern over the welfare of coal mining-affected communities, the JNC submitted a memorandum urging the State Government to direct the District Level Committee to conduct a comprehensive survey of affected families and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive financial assistance from the MEPRF.
The council also referred to a recent meeting between coal mining associations and the Chief Secretary, during which the Chief Secretary reportedly acknowledged the existence of the MEPRF and its intended objective of supporting communities affected by coal mining.
Speaking after the meeting, JNC President Sambormi Lyngdoh said that while the economic impact of the 2014 coal mining ban on East Jaiñtia Hills and other parts of Meghalaya is well known, it is equally important that funds specifically created for rehabilitation are utilised for their intended purpose.
“If substantial funds are available under the MEPRF, they should reach the beneficiaries they were meant to serve. While the fund is also intended for environmental protection and restoration, there must be transparency and accountability in its utilisation. We are determined to find out how these funds have been used,” Lyngdoh said.
Responding to the memorandum, Adviser Kyrmen Shylla assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up with the Minister in charge of the Mining and Geology Department for necessary action.
The JNC reiterated that it would continue pursuing the issue to ensure that the rights and interests of coal mining-affected communities are protected and that the MEPRF is utilised in accordance with its intended objectives.
