Meghalaya: Pressure Groups Protest Coal Mining in Paromgre

Multiple advocacy organisations from Chokpot in South Garo Hills, Meghalaya, have voiced opposition to the authorised coal extraction in the Paromgre region, while also suggesting the possibility of unauthorised uranium mining in the vicinity.

The protesting organisations, which include the Garo Students’ Union (GSU), A•chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), Chokpot Area Vigilance Committee (CAVC), Garo State Movement Committee (GSMC), A•chik Conscious Holistic Integrated Krima (ACHIK), the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), and the A•chik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO), along with community members, conducted an on-site inspection of the coal mining operations on Friday.

Following their assessment, the groups stated, “Our collaborative review revealed that the site is perilously close to environmentally fragile zones. We were profoundly disturbed by the existing environmental degradation and the looming threat of even more severe consequences if the operations persist without oversight.”

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The organisations highlighted the site's adjacency to essential waterways, including the Rompa, Rongdik, Khakiza, and Rongma rivers, which serve as critical resources for Chokpot residents and adjacent settlements.

“These vital streams supply drinking water, support irrigation, and meet everyday needs for numerous households. Ongoing extraction has already led to evident contamination, sediment buildup, and the depletion of feeder streams. Without swift intervention, the rivers’ flow and cleanliness could be irreparably compromised, jeopardising the local ecology and the communities reliant on them,” they warned.

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Moreover, the groups pointed out the proximity to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, a premier protected area in Meghalaya, renowned for its biodiversity. “This region boasts lush woodlands with ancient, towering trees and serves as a sanctuary for unique, endangered animals exclusive to the area. Rampant mining would trigger widespread tree loss, land degradation, and habitat obliteration. Iconic species like the Hoolock Gibbon, Himalayan Black Bear, and various elusive birds could be displaced or driven to extinction,” remarked GSU general secretary Spensar Marak.

The activists argued that such activities would devastate tourism and traditional employment prospects. “Scenic attractions like Abong Chigat, Redingsni, Wari Chora, and Tengte Rongrep draw tourists from throughout Meghalaya and further afield, offering immense scope for eco-friendly tourism that uplifts local economies. Yet, unchecked mining would mar these landscapes, repel visitors, and eliminate enduring job prospects for young people in the area,” Marak noted.

“Local populations depend on these woodlands and waterways for sustenance through activities like angling, agriculture, modest tourism ventures, and artisanal crafts. Ravaging these natural assets would inflict damage not just on the environment but also on human well-being, economic stability, and the Garo community's deep-seated bond with nature,” he added.