SHILLONG, JAN 18: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma Friday sought the intervention of the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for regulating coal mining in Meghalaya.
The meeting held in New Delhi was attended by cabinet ministers and legislators of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition government and officials from the Ministry of Home and state mining department.
A presentation was also presented by C Manjunath, secretary of the mining department on behalf of the state government during the meeting.
Highlighting the historical background, customary rights of tribals and the problems arising out of the ban, Manjunath also stressed on the need for issuance of Presidential notification under paragraph 12A (b) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution exempting certain provisions of Mine and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act 1957.
The chief minister told the union home minister that there is a need to have regulated mining in Meghalaya with utmost care on 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,” he said.
Sangma also assured the union home minister that the state will adhere to all environmental, safety norms framed by the Government of India in permitting the mining activities in Meghalaya.
It was also made clear that technical committee constituted by State for approving mining plan shall have representatives of Central government.
It was also pointed out that Director General of Mine Safety would be free to inspect mine in Meghalaya at point of time.
Union Home Minister considered all above aspect and gave positive response and assured the delegation that he would look into the issue.
By Our Reporter
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