Shillong, Nov 5: Meghalaya deputy chief minister Bindo M Lanong- who holds Mining & Geology portfolio- said the “Meghalaya Mines and Mineral Policy” would be effective by 2013 in the state.
Speaking to reporters after his meeting with the stakeholders Monday, he said, “The policy will be made operationalize in the state after a period of one year, a sufficient time for the miners to acclimatize with the policy.”
Informing that the meeting with the stakeholders was cordial, Lanong said, “The stakeholders have expressed their satisfaction on the policy as there is scope for them to send in suggestions on issues affecting them.” According to him, there is a provision in the policy giving powers to the state government to amend or withdraw any of the provision in the policy whenever it is felt necessary.
Lanong said, “Government will look into the matter and withdraw any “irritant” in the policy and would accommodate various views and suggestions so this provision is a welcome step.”
The meeting today was attended by miners, importers and exporters from various parts of Jaintia hills, Garo hills and Khasi hills districts. Saying that the policy has taken care of many important aspects including land system, Lanong said, “We have made provisions for preservation and protection of the environment.”
Lanong assured that, “There will be no mining activities allowed near rivers sources, caves and others.” He informed that the controversial issue of rat-hole mining was also discussed during the meeting.
Lanong said, “Miners themselves were very confident and happy that the policy has recognized the traditional practice (rat hole mining) and felt that this is a much safer way for protection and saving the environment from “colossal damage.”
According to Lanong, adoption of the open caste mining will only lead to huge destructions of the hillocks and forests and would also affect the water sources in the state. He, however, said, “Whosoever are against the ‘rat-hole mining’ can come forward and give alternative suggestions.” – By Our Reporter
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