Shillong, Feb 6: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has admitted that closing abandoned mines is a significant challenge for the administration.
“So (closure of) the 22,000 (abandoned coal) mines, it is very physically challenging for any administration… it could still take us years and years to close down just in one particular district,” he said.
Sangma made the remarks while commenting on the explosion at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills, which claimed 18 lives.
He vowed to take strict action against those responsible, saying, “We are going to take very firm action against whoever responsible for this”.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged that illegal mining continues to be a major issue, despite efforts to promote scientific mining.
“These incidents do unfortunately happen, where… illegal mining was taking place, which should not have happened and then this blast that took place which should not have happened,” he said.
