Meeting in Coal Ministry officials in Shillong
Shillong, Oct 24: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has pitched before Central authorities the need for setting up a framework of scientific and safe mining for small-scale miners in Meghalaya.
Underscoring the need for allowing small-scale mining during a meeting with a Central committee dealing with the matter, the Chief Minister pointed out that thousands of families in the state are dependent on coal mining.
Sharing details about his meeting with Coal Ministry officials in the city, Sangma said the committee to examine scope of small-scale mining reviewed its progress made so far.
“Met the Secretary, Coal Ministry, Government of India, and the Additional Secretary, who chairs the committee constituted by the Ministry to examine small-scale coal mining in Meghalaya, in Shillong today. We discussed the progress made by the committee so far,” he posted on X.
The Chief Minister said the state is keen to work out a model that allows small miners to continue operations in a regulated manner.
“Coal mining is a source of livelihood for many families in our State. Our effort is to find a way forward that allows our small miners to work scientifically and safely, while protecting the environment. We will continue working closely with the Government of India on this,” Sangma said.
The Ministry of Coal had constituted the committee headed by the Additional Secretary to examine issues related to small-scale mining in Meghalaya, following persistent demands from the state for a regulated and sustainable mining regime.
