Shillong, Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy on Friday said the government is committed to promoting scientific and secure coal mining in the state in line with direction of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
“The government has framed the guidelines for coal mining and an action plan has been prepared in consultation with Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), Ranchi to start coal mining in line with direction of NGT,” Roy said in his customary address marking the beginning of the Budget session.
The NGT had ordered an interim ban on “rat-hole” coal mining in Meghalaya from April 17, 2014, after the All Dimasa Students’ Union and the Dima Hasao District Committee filed an application before the tribunal alleging that the water of the Kopili river was turning acidic due to coal mining in Jaintia Hills.
Coal mining in Meghalaya is ostensibly part of the “customary tribal rights”.
In connection with the rescue operation of the trapped coal miners in Khloo Ryngksan area in East Jaintia Hills district, Roy said the state government has taken all possible steps in coordination with the Union home ministry, disaster management department to rescue the trapped miners.
