Shillong, Mar 8: Governor Tathagatha Roy on Friday informed that an action plan has been prepared by the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), Ranchi to start coal mining in the state.
“The Government has framed guidelines for coal mining and an action plan has been prepared by the CMPDI, Ranchi to start coal mining in line with the direction of NGT,†Roy said in his address at the first day of the Assembly’s budget session held here on Friday.
He said the CMPDI has started exploration activity in 1 sq.km coal block of Khliehriat-Sutnga for preparation of Geological Report and Feasibility study subsequently, preparation of mining plan for coal mining.
It may be mentioned here that the National Green Tribunal has imposed a blanket ban on unscientific rat-hole mining of coal in Meghalaya for the past four years since April 17, 2014.
At least 15 miners were trapped in a 370 foot-deep illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills District since December 13, last year.
The governor however said that the government is committed to promote scientific, secure and environmentally friendly coal mining in the state by complying with all statutory central legislations pertaining to environmental protection and safety of mine workers.
