Wednesday, November 6, 2024
spot_img

One-man panel to probe Dehing Patkai mining charges

Date:

Share post:

spot_img
spot_img
GUWAHATI: A one-man inquiry commission, comprising former Gauhati High Court judge, Brajendra Prasad Katakey will investigate the allegations of illegal coal mining and destruction of biodiversity in Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary since the year 2003.

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday constituted the commission to probe all charges against Coal India Ltd, which had been reportedly carrying out mining activities in the Dehing Patkai (rain forest) region since 2003.

Located in Upper Assam, Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 111.942 square kilometres.

It may be recalled that in May, Sonowal had ordered state environment and forests minister Parimal Suklabaidya to visit Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary to conduct a survey there amid opposition from several quarters against the purported attempt of coal mining in the sanctuary.

Sonowal said that the state government was committed to protecting the environment and biodiversity.

Earlier this month, the chief minister had during a meeting directed authorities to take necessary steps to upgrade Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary into a national park.

Sonowal further directed the forest department to prepare a draft notification and hold public hearings to take the views of dwellers residing around the wildlife sanctuary.

He also instructed officials to prepare an action plan for preserving the adjoining areas of the wildlife sanctuary and include the opinions of the people in the adjoining areas in the draft action plan.

 

 

spot_img
spot_img

Related articles

HC tells govt, SBI to finalise MoU on provident fund issue by Nov 30

In a writ petition concerning the centralised provident fund scheme for staff at deficit-aided schools and colleges in...

Phan Nonglait Park’s footfall drops as Ri-Bhoi zoo nears inauguration

SHILLONG, Nov 5: With Meghalaya’s new zoo all set to open soon following the transfer of animals from...

TRANSFORMING STREETS

Students paint a portion of MG Road as part of the “Reimagining Streets” initiative, in Shillong on Tuesday....

VPP wants unfilled seats reserved for locals at USTM med college

SHILLONG, Nov 5: The VPP has urged the state government to reserve unfilled MBBS seats under the Meghalaya...