Raising concerns over the impact of the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) coal mining ban in Meghalaya, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Wanweiroy Kharlukhi on Thursday (December 17, 2025) called upon the Centre to expedite the process of allowing scientific mining in the State, warning that the prohibition has created conditions for drug smuggling to flourish in former coal-mining areas.
Raising the matter during Zero Hour, the National People's Party MP said the ban, imposed in 2014, has dealt a severe blow to thousands of families dependent on coal for their livelihood.
The silent crisis of rat-hole mining
"Coal caters to the needs of thousands of families in the State. Right to earn is the fundamental right of every citizen, and I feel my people have been deprived of that right," Dr. Kharlukhi said.
The MP highlighted that the ban has crippled autonomous district councils in the State, which relied on coal as their primary source of revenue.
