Govt seeks report on EJH illegal mining

SHILLONG: The State Government has sought a report from the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner on the rampant mining, especially in areas falling under Elaka Nongkhlieh and Elaka Sutnga, despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order.
Speaking to a group of journalists here on Thursday, Chief Secretary K.S Kropha said strict directions have been given to the East Jaintia Hills DC to comply with all the directives of the NGT. “We have asked the DC to find out the facts and submit a report and any activity that is against the NGT order should be stopped,” he said.
Replying to a query about the solution to the long-pending issue of coal mining that was prohibited by NGT two years ago, Kropha said now it all depends on the Tribunal as the State Government has submitted the necessary set of guidelines, “which is quite exhaustive”, to it and has adhered to all the details sought by NGT.
To a query about the mining plan, the Chief Secretary said the mining plan has to be prepared by the developer after taking into cognizance the geographical area and the mining conditions to ensure that scientific mining takes place in the State.
Kropha said the mining plan of the developers will have to be approved by competent authorities in accordance with the law and after obtaining necessary clearances.
When asked about the several abandoned coal mines in the State, Kropha said a survey would be taken up to find out the number of abandoned mines even as he added that proper closure of mines should be done.