CM contradicts his deputy over delay in mining policy

Shillong, August 23: Rubbishing the statement of his deputy chief minister Bindo M Lanong as “totally incorrect”, Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma said he has asked the former to give a “correct picture” of the much awaited Meghalaya mining policy.

On Thursday, Lanong had told reporters that the mining policy was still in the chief minister’s office even after the Meghalaya mining and geology department had given its clearance. Answering queries from scribes as to why the State Mining Policy has not been adopted yet, he said, “The chief minister is in a better position to answer.”

Speaking to reporters Thursday afternoon, Sangma said, “I have spoken to the deputy chief minister and asked him to give a correct picture in this context.”

Refuting the perception created by his deputy chief minister’s statement that he was sitting on the file for months together without giving his final decision, Sangma informed that the government is taking on board all stakeholders including the small time miners to make the mining policy “effective and acceptable” to all.

Sangma informed that officials from the mining and geology department are working on the nitty-gritty of the policy which is aimed at the overall improvement of mining in the state.

In the absence of mining policy in the State, coal, limestone and other minerals are being mined unscientifically and randomly causing hazards to human and environment. Once the mining policy is in place it is hoped that the mining will be in accordance with the regulatory laid down by the government. – By Our Reporter