Shillong, Feb 10: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has called for calm in the wake of the tragic mine accident in East Jaintia Hills, and urged all stakeholders to consider it a collective responsibility to end the menace of illegal coal mining.
Making it clear that the current situation is not the time for political point-scoring, he assured that the government will leave no stone unturned in taking action against those involved in the illegal activities.
“I share my condolences to all the affected families. Please remember that now is not the time to play politics,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
Referring to the coal mine blast at Mynsngat-Thangsko, he said, “It is high time to take collective responsibility when such an accident occurs.”
He assured that the government is taking proactive steps, with teams sent to the site and officials, including the DC and SP, working to check the situation.
“We will not spare anybody who is involved,” Dhar said, adding that action will be taken against those directly involved in illegal activities.
Acknowledging allegations against the MDA government, he said, “We are trying our level best to control… Government is making full effort to control and ensure there is no more illegal mining in the future.”
Regarding the mandatory requirement of 100-hectare area for scientific mining, Dhar said the chief minister has been discussing this issue with the Centre, requesting a reduction in the area to allow local people to undertake scientific mining.
“We have received petition from various mine owners, expressing that 100 hectares is too much,” he said.
The chief minister has been pursuing the Centre for the past one year, seeking amendment of this rule, he said.
Reiterating the government’s stance against illegal activities, he said, “Government is not in favour of illegal activities. Because of these people, who are indulging in illegal activities, innocent people have died.”
He added that compensation will be given as per government policy, with details of the deceased victims to be shared after the operation is completed.
Urban projects near completion
The deputy chief minister, also in-charge of Urban Affairs, has disclosed that several urban projects are nearing completion and expected to be inaugurated after the financial year.
“The works are in full swing everywhere,” he said.
The Polo project is already complete and has been inaugurated while the MTC in Police Bazaar is set to be inaugurated by May or June.
Dhar also stated that work is underway on the new secretariat and several parking facilities expected to be inaugurated after March.
A number of parking facilities are likely to be inaugurated after March, according to the minister.
