By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Expressing concern over the unscientific rat hole mining prevalent in the State especially in Jaintia Hills, Deputy Chief Minister In-charge Mining, Bindo M Lanong, said the State Government has incorporated certain clauses in the proposed State Mining Policy which would make it mandatory for miners to refill the land after conducting mining operations.
“We would not allow any miners to leave the land where unscientific rat hole mining has been carried out without refilling it. The Government would ensure that this is being implemented in its true spirit since it is a matter of life and death for the people residing in those areas,” Lanong said while speaking to reporters on Tuesday.
He said that the Government would also encourage planting of trees in the all those areas where mining activities takes place, while adding that this is the only way to preserve the greenery of the mining zones.
When asked about the recent incidents in Jaintia Hills where several cracks have appeared on the earth’s surface, Lanong said he had sought a detailed report from the department in this regard.
“I would be able to give detailed information only after I receive the report. But the Government would not take this incident lightly,” the Deputy Chief Minister asserted.