Shillong, Jan 4: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma Friday said that the ban on coal mining is not the solution, and the best way is to ensure that mining activities are regulated by keeping in mind the protection of environment and safety of miners.
“The best way is to come up with a regulated, safe mining procedure and allow mining to take place by keeping in mind the need to protect the environment and safety of miners as a top priority,†Sangma said.
He said that regulation must be in such a way that the economic condition of the people should not be affected.
On reported illegal mining of coal despite ban being imposed by the NGT, Conrad said that the government was working towards stopping illegal mining in the state but it is difficult for police to always keep a watch on such activities.
The Chief Minister cited an example of the coal mine that trapped 15 miners which is about 45 km away from the main road.
The 15 miners have been trapped inside the coal mine owned by one Krip Chullet since December 13 last year.
“The kinds of incidents (illegal mining) were going on even during the earlier governments too. There were so many cases registered against people who are doing illegal mining,†he stated.
On Thursday, the Leader of Opposition, Dr Mukul Sangma said that lies of the NPP-led MDA government that there was no illegal mining have been exposed through the incident. He also alleged that it proved beyond doubt that the government has been facilitating and encouraging illegal mining in the state.
The Chief Minister however said that it was not appropriate for any political party be it the opposition to play politics with this situation.
“What important is we continue with our efforts and work to ensure that this kind of situation do not happen again,†the Chief Minister said.
On the rescue operation, he said that one does not expect such a situation and even after big agencies including the Indian Navy have been involved in the rescue operation, yet the challenge is still there.
“This only speaks volume about the kind of challenges that are there at the site. The Kirloskar and Coal India pumps have been all lined up along with the Odisha Fire Services pumps to start the operation but they require huge amount of petrol and diesel for the generators to run at the same time,†he said
Stating that the cost is involved for the operation, the Chief Minister said that people’s lives are important.
