SHILLONG:
The Mining and Geology department has informed that the geological report of four out of 17 applicants obtaining the prospective licenses for coal mining in Meghalaya has been approved by the Ministry of Coal.
The status of the mining activities was produced before the Single Member Committee constituted by the Meghalaya High Court.
In its 20th interim report, the committee said it has also been apprised that previous approval of the Central Government for the grant of mining lease has also been granted in respect of those 4 applicants, who have submitted the mining plans, which have also been approved by the Ministry of Coal.
“According to the Mining and Geology Department, those project proponents have submitted their applications to complete the environmental clearance from the concerned authorities in the State Government and the Central Government which is yet to be granted,” it said.
The committee further informed that approval of 2 more Geological Reports by the Ministry of Coal, Government of India have also been stated by the Mining and Geology Department, Government of Meghalaya.
“It has, however, not been informed as to whether the Government of India has granted previous approval for grant of mining lease and whether any mining plan has been submitted by those 2 applicants,” it said.
The 4 applicants, who have been granted previous approval for granting mining lease under Rule 42(2) of Mineral Concession Rule, 1960 and stated to have submitted their applications for the Environment Clearance are Nehlang Lyngdoh (Rymbai Synrang Shahkhain Village East Jaintia Hills District, Maksing Sibren (Nongbri Nongkulang Village Ranikor C&RD Block South West Khasi Hills District), Thomas Nongtdu (Byndihati Village East Jaintia Hills District), Wenni Diengngan (Sdaddkhar village, West Khasi Hills District.