World Affairs: The Journal of International Issues
Year : 2014, Volume : 18, Issue : 4
First page : ( 126) Last page : ( 139)
Print ISSN : 0971-8052. Online ISSN : 0974-0937.

Meghalaya – Small But not so Beautiful: A Point of View

Majaw Baniateilang

Online published on 2 February, 2015.

Abstract

Meghalaya is a small and beautiful state in Northeast India. It has vast coal deposits and while coalmining is a leading industry, it is not regulated nor is the mining policy appropriately implemented. The unscientific method of production known as rat-hole mining damages the landscape causing the death of rivers and streams, ultimately killing large numbers of fish. Rat-holes are death traps where accidents regularly occur. They are hot and humid inside and endanger the health of miners. Children too work in these mines, which is not only against the law but also puts their lives at great risk. While the local people prefer not to work inside the rat-holes, other Indian and foreign migrants ready to work in the most inhuman conditions abound. This paper highlights the present scenario in the Jaintia Hills, a coal rich region of Meghalaya.

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