SHILLONG:
Law Minister and spokesperson of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government Ampareen Lyngdoh on March 14 said steps are being taken to address the issue of transportation of illegal coal.
This came a day after the Meghalaya High Court ordered deployment of 10 companies of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to check the illegal mining of coal and its transportation.
Lyngdoh said, “Already directions have been received and the government is processing all of these advisories given on the matter of check-and-balance to ensure we address the transportation of illegal coal.”
She said plans were afoot and the government was hopeful of meeting the expectations of these orders, adding it is a long-drawn battle, and this has been one reason why Meghalaya has always been perceived as engaging in illegal activities. “So we will try our best,” she added.
Ampareen also informed that the state government under the leadership of the chief minister Conrad K Sangma will also be looking at the probable situation “where we must also try to ensure that this area of livelihood is reviewed and opportunities are given within the ambit of law to ensure those involved in that business are not denied and are not disturbed.”
“It will be a challenge but we will look at it,” she further assured.