Shillong: The Meghalaya government on Friday declined to comment on the feasibility of open-cast progressive scientific coal mining for the state, stating that the approval process rests with experts from Government of India agencies.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stated, “The mining plans are made by mining engineers and experts. I will not be in a position to comment on it, and that is the reason why we have experts from Government of India agencies to approve that, and obviously, they will study all aspects before approval.”
As preparations are underway for open-cast progressive scientific mining of coal in Meghalaya, experts from the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) suggest that the impact on vegetation and forest cover would be minimal compared to improvised rat-hole mining.
While acknowledging his lack of expertise in mining plans, the Chief Minister emphasised that all plans would be vetted by central government agencies, albeit acknowledging the complexity of the process due to unique landholding conditions in Meghalaya.
Although the process is taking longer than expected, Sangma expressed confidence that once a system is in place, the approval process for mining policies specific to Meghalaya would be smoother in the future.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
“We are positive, but we do not want to share more on it,” he added.
The Centre has granted clearance to four applicants to commence scientific coal mining in Meghalaya. The final step required for mining resumption is obtaining environmental clearance as per the Environment Impact Assessment notification of 2006, which is anticipated to take 4-5 months.
Also Read | Meghalaya BJP leader urges Assam CM to ensure protection for Christians