Govt committed to promote scientific coal mining: Guv

SHILLONG, MAR 13: Governor Tathagata Roy on Friday said the government is committed to promote scientific, secure and environmentally friendly coal mining in state by complying with all statutory central legislation pertaining to environmental protection and safety of mine workers.

In his address during the first day of the Assembly’s budget session here on Friday, Roy said efforts by the government to resolve coal mining issues culminated in landmark judgment by the Supreme Court in which it was held that private owners of land as well as community owners have both surface right as well as sub-soil rights.

He said Court permitted coal mining in the state as per provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 and Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 with approved mining plan and also with strict compliance of Mines Act 1952 and Coal Mines Regulations 2017.

The government in addition to consultation with various stake holders and experts to secure environment friendly coal mining has also conducted sensitization programme in West Jaintia Hills to educate the mine owners about procedures to be followed in starting coal mining under the provisions of MMDR Act, 1957 and Mineral Concession Rules, 1960.

The governor said that the government is also committed to restore the environment, damaged by coal mining in the state.

He said the state has been collecting 10 per cent of the value of coal from coal transported under the order of Supreme Court and NGT and deposited towards the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund.

“An action plan has been prepared for restoration of environment damaged by coal mining and pilot projects have already commenced,” he said.

The governor further informed that the state government has also notified guidelines for utilization of MEPRF fund.

He said the District Mineral Foundation have been notified in eight districts to minimize or mitigate adverse effects of mining on environment, health and for implementing various developmental and welfare programmes in mining affected areas.