SHILLONG:
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has informed that the process of scientific mining is expected to start within the next 60 days in Meghalaya as final paperwork has been done, and only documentation is left.
Informing about the same during an election campaign at Sohiong on May 1, Sangma said, “Within a matter of 60 days from now, scientific mining process will start in the state of Meghalaya which is the biggest milestone. This will change the livelihood of people in this area and in many parts of the state.”
He recalled that the Supreme Court had directed the government of Meghalaya and India to work on different mining plans and lease to allow proper scientific mining to take place.
“I would like to inform you that the day has come. The government of India finally approved the mining lease for four miners. The government of India and the government of Meghalaya are now under the process to do the final paperwork for scientific mining to start,” he said.
It may be mentioned that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a ban on rat-hole mining in April 2014. The Supreme Court in 2019 had lifted the ban and subsequently directed scientific mining to be implemented.
The chief minister, deputy CM Prestone Tynsong, and other leaders were in Krang to seek support for NPP candidate from Sohiong Samlin Malngiang.