SHILLONG: While complying with the ruling of the NGT, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that the State Government would take appropriate measures to ensure that the mining activities in the State meet the environmental safety needs.
“Appropriate measures in the line with the ruling of the NGT are being structured by the Government and will accordingly be presented before the authority concerned,” Sangma said in the Assembly.
Referring to the Mines and Minerals Policy, 2012, the Chief Minister said that the ban has given a chance to address the environmental concerns.
Stressing on the need to have a better coordination and cooperation from the mining community, he also called upon the legislators to join hands in handling the given situation.
“We expect to fulfill from the side of the Government all the requirements which are necessary to overcome the challenges and as we work on this approach to facilitate mining through appropriate policy and programme,” Sangma said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that Government intends to replenish all the mining areas which have been deteriorated due to mining of coal over the past many years.
Sangma said that the Government would earmark a separate fund to achieve this objective in replenish all these areas to make it fit for farming and vegetation.
He said that the intention of the State Government is to see that it implements these programmes in relation to the environment.