SHILLONG: Governor Tathagata Roy on Friday said the government has framed guidelines for coal mining and an action plan has been prepared in consultation with Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), Ranchi for the purpose in line with the direction of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Addressing the first day of the Budget session of the state Assembly, he said the government is committed to promote scientific, secure and environment-friendly coal mining in the state complying with laws pertaining to environmental protection and safety of mine workers.
He informed that the CMPDI has started exploration in one sq km block of Khliehriat-Sutnga for preparation of geological report and feasibility study and will subsequently prepare the plan for coal mining.
Roy in his speech also mentioned the mishap in an illegal rat-hole coal mine at Ksan in East Jaintia Hills in which 15 miners were trapped when it was flooded on December 13 last year.
Pointing to the rescue operation for the trapped miners, the governor said the state government has taken all possible steps in coordination with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for rescue of the trapped miners.
