Tribunal to conduct hearing on mining ban in New Delhi from Tuesday
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Government is all set to submit the much awaited mining guidelines and mining policy to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) either on Monday or Tuesday.
The two-day hearing of the NGT on rat hole mining will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday in New Delhi.
However, there are no indications of relief being provided to the State during the NGT hearing.
Supreme Court Advocate and Counsel for the State Government, Ranjan Mukherjee said over phone from Delhi on Sunday that he will submit the two documents on mining guidelines and mining policy on Monday or Tuesday.
The mining policy is basically the same as the Meghalaya Mines and Mineral Policy 2012, but some additional points were incorporated as per the NGT directives.
“If the NGT clears the mining guidelines, the same will be sent to the Union Ministry of Coal for its nod and later, it will have to be approved by the State Cabinet. After the cabinet nod, the guidelines will be notified by the state government,” Mukherjee said.
Both the mining guidelines and mining policy will have provisions for safe mining practices which will also ensure the safety of the environment and the workers.
Mukherjee said that the comprehensive mining guidelines and mining policy were prepared as per the law.
As per the guidelines, the mine owners will have to apply for their mining plan which will vary from one mine to another. The mining guidelines stipulate that the mine owners should submit the mine plan to the government and then only they will be permitted to mine, Mukherjee said.
The lawyer said that in Meghalaya, the open cast mining is not appropriate. Since the coal seams (layers) are thin, controlled rat hole mining by adopting safe and secure measures without the mishap of the workers, is the only way, Mukherjee said.
He also clarified that no immediate relief is expected during the hearing.
As far as the transport of extracted coal is concerned, while the last date for payment of challan is up to September 30, transportation of extracted coal will be allowed till November 30.