By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The much-awaited State Mining Policy that would regulate the mining activities in the State is set for further delay due to objections raised by the coal and limestone miners to the final draft policy.
The miners from entire State under the banner of Joint Forum on Mining Policy has alleged that their views and suggestions were not incorporated by the State Government while preparing the draft.
Mining and Geology Minister Bindo M Lanong admitted that the opposition from the miners has caused the ‘unnecessary’ delay in sending the draft to the Cabinet for its approval.
The Forum has alleged that the State mining policy is arbitrary as the Government has neglected the views and suggestions of the various stakeholders, NGOs and political parties although it had claimed otherwise.
Expressing his disappointment over the ‘adamant’ attitude of the miners, Lanong said, “The work can never be completed if people start complaining or demanding things which are baseless and unconvincing.”
The policy draft has been made on public interest and it would go a long way in making people’s life safe and healthy, Lanong asserted.
When asked as to when the final draft would be tabled before the Cabinet, Lanong said, “Very soon.”