PN Syiem opposes Govt’s MMDC move

SHILLONG: KHADC CEM PN Syiem on Friday disapproved of the State government’s proposal to allow Meghalaya Minerals Development Corporation (MMDC) to undertake coal mining in Meghalaya.
“Any suggestion or opinion from the Government with regard to land and mineral issue should take land owners, chiefs of the respective Himas, Sordar and the District Council into confidence,” he told reporters.
“I do not subscribe to the idea of the State Government as we have a different land holding system,” he said  adding that there is no harm in allowing mine owners to carry out operations as long as they adhere to safety norms.
He stated that the Government should come up with a clear policy so that anyone who mines coal can follow the regulations to avoid damaging the environment.