Shillong, Mar 27: A Group of Ministers (GoMs) to study the status of the National Green Tribunal’s ban on coal mining in the state would be constituted soon.

This was announced by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday during his meeting with representatives of the State Coordination Committee of Coal Owners and Mine Dealers Forum.

The Chief Minister said that the GoMs comprising Mining and Geology, Law, Environment and Home departments would be constituted to look into the whole issue and the way forward.

 “We will understand the issue and take feedback of all stakeholders and prepare a master plan as to how it can be taken forward. The issue of coal is a priority of our Government. We are going to look at environmental concerns as we take forward our discussion with the centre as well as with other concern authorities”, he said.

Chairman of the State Coordination Committee of Coal Owners and Mine Dealers Forum, Sony L Khyriem said that the meeting with the Chief Minister was “positive” and he assured of sincerely looking into the matter and initiate action at the government level to ascertain official views.