SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has reiterated the need to have regulated mining in Meghalaya with focus on safety of miners and environment before Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Sangma held a meeting with Singh along with MDA partners to discuss the long pending issue of coal mining in the state in presence of officials from the Ministry of Home and state department of Mining.
“There is a need to have regulated mining in Meghalaya with utmost care about safety of miners and environment. The ban on mining has affected the socio-economic condition of the people, who are dependent on coal as well as loss of revenue generation for the state,” Sangma told Singh.
Secretary, department of Mining, C. Manjunath, gave a presentation to Singh on the coal issue, which covered historical background, customary rights of tribals, problems, how it is affecting livelihood and also the need for issuance of Presidential notification under paragraph 12A (b) of 6th Schedule of the Constitution exempting certain provisions of Mine and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act 1957.
Sangma assured Singh that the state will adhere to all environmental and safety norms framed by the Centre in permitting mining activities in Meghalaya.
It was also made clear that the technical committee constituted by the state government for approving mining plan would have representatives of the central government.
It was also pointed out that Director General of Mine Safety would be free to inspect mines in Meghalaya at any point of time.
Singh reportedly considered all the aspects and gave a positive response and assured the delegation that he would look into the issue.
