Loss from mining ban over Rs 1500 cr

SHILLONG: The State exchequer has lost over Rs 1,527.23 crore till May owing to the ban on coal mining by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
According to official sources, the revenue loss from NGT ban on coal mining for the financial year 2014-15 was around Rs 600 crore and taking into account its spillover effect on the annual growth of the revenue collection during 2015-16, the loss worked out to around Rs 775 crore. Moreover, for the first two months of the current financial year, revenue loss was over Rs 152.23 crore.
The Tribunal, on April 17, 2014, had passed an interim order banning rat-hole mining in the State.
Official sources said approximately 5,771 coal mine owners were affected directly and a large number of people, including mine workers, living in and around the mining area, were also affected by the ban.
The Government had directed all concerned authorities and district administration to cover the affected families under government schemes and programmes.
The government is also planning to conduct a study on the impact of ban on coal mining in the State.
Several petitions were also made with the NGT and the Supreme Court after the ban. The Hima Nongstoin Land Owners’ Coal Traders’ and Producers’ Association too had approached the Apex Court in this regard.
Earlier, NGT had allowed payment of royalty till April 15 and transportation of extracted coal till May 15 this year after which the State Government was authorised to sell or auction the remaining coal.
Following this, the Supreme Court in its order on September 21 allowed transportation of extracted coal from October 1 till May 31 next year.