Coal ban memo to MHA

SHILLONG, JUNE 23: KHADC chief executive member Pynshngain N Syiem on Thursday said that the council has sought the centre’s intervention into the ongoing NGT’s ban on coal mining in the state affecting the economy and livelihood of the people.

“We have submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the state seeking the centre intervention into the matter,” Syiem said while replying during the question hour in the house on Thursday.

He also informed that the council has received information that the prime minister has endorsed the matter to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

“In view of this, the council has been asked to give more details on the issues pertaining to the NGT and others,” Syiem said.

Earlier, members LG Nongsiej and Pyniaid Sing Syiem urged the executive committee to take up the issue since the ban on coal mining has not only affected the district council but also the people of the region.

To a query raised by Pyniaid, Syiem said that the district council is yet to file any writ petition against the ban of coal mining by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). He however said that the council is made to understand that soon traditional institutions are likely to file a petition on the matter and the council will be made a party.-By Our Reporter