‘Once GoI entertains one state, others too will ask for special provisions’
Shillong, April 16: The state government would go ahead with mining plans as approved by Central authorities, pending amendment to the 100-hectare condition for coal mining in the state, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Thursday.
The state government has been pursuing with the Centre the small-time miners’ demand for amending the 100-hectare condition in order to make it feasible for them.
“We are asking the government of India to amend that particular part,” Sangma said, responding to demands from coal miners in Jaintia Hills for a mining policy suited to local land conditions.
However, pending any amendment, the government has to proceed with the existing framework.
He said the government had to agree to the 100-hectare condition as “we felt that it was important to get through and at least start the process of mining and get some licences through.”
The next phase is to pursue the Centre for amending the 100-hectare condition, he said.
On the government’s efforts in pursuing with Centre on the matter, he said, “I am hopeful that we will get a positive response… We are doing our homework. We are on it but it is taking time… it is not a simple decision… Government of India once they entertain one state, then you will see other states also coming and asking for special provisions for themselves also.”
“So, it is not always possible for them but we are still hopeful that it will be done,” the Chief Minister said.
On the debate over open cast versus tunnel mining, Sangma said approvals rest with Central agencies.
“I am not a mining engineer, so I cannot comment on all the aspects, but basically looking at things, everything has got a plus, everything has got a minus,” he said.
He noted that in an open cast mine, you will open up the entire mine, and if it rains, then the water will flow.
“Discussions are happening, but everything got pros and cons… those are the mining plans that they have approved and as of now, we will have to go ahead with those plans,” Sangma added.
