SHILLONG:
The mining lease holders and project proponents who recently received the mining leases from the Coal Ministry Government of India to start scientific mining in Meghalaya, on May 2, organised a felicitation programme for the state government in recognition of the efforts taken to initiate scientific coal mining.
The program was organised to thank the state government for the support over the past five years that has resulted in lifting the NGT ban on coal mining in 2014, and restarting the process of scientifically safe and sustainable mining.
The program was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in the presence of Palash Chakrabarty of Novomine India Pvt Ltd, E. Kharmalki IAS Secretary Mining and Geology, Shainingstar Khardewsaw and Teilang Pde project proponents from West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills, government officials, local MLAs, and others.
Speaking to media persons after the program, Sangma said that starting the process of coal mining is a historic moment for the people of the state, particularly for those who were dependent on coal mining.
He also said that most of the people have suffered a lot due to the coal ban and even the government has lost a huge amount of revenue in terms of royalty in the past 9 years, but all of this is now about to change.
He further said that mining will not be the same as before since there are processes to be followed.
Sangma also said that it will take another 45 to 60 days to officially start the process of scientifically safe and sustainable mining since the miners will have to apply for the state clearances like environmental clearances, pollution board clearances and public consultations, and other formalities within the state level.