Shillong, Nov 29: The move of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to carry out survey on mineral deposits is unlikely to succeed with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) deciding not to grant a no objection certificate (NOC) for the purpose.

“We will not issue the NOC to the GSI. If the government wants to carry out survey on mineral deposits it should ensure that ban on coal mining is lifted,” KHADC executive member (EM) in-charge Land, Mines & Minerals, Latiplang Kharkongor said on Thursday.

Kharkongor said that the Council received a letter from the deputy director general of GSI North Eastern Region, Shillong on November 21 requesting the Council to issue NOC for carrying out geological mapping, survey, mineral exploration and research activities in parts of Khasi Hills Districts.

Explaining that the GSI does not involve in any kind of mining activities of minerals or involve in search or exploration of uranium or other radioactive minerals, the deputy director general said that the GSI worked for identification of presence of mineral resources only.

According to him, the active field season of GSI begins in the month of November and field officers are supposed to complete the field work within 120 days by March, next year.

The GSI official also informed that the findings are prepared in the form of geological/mineral exploration reports which are handed over to the state government authorities like the chief secretary, principal secretary of Dept of Mineral Resources.

Asked, Kharkongor said that the GSI should also submit a report on the matter to the district council since land is a subject under its purview.

“Moreover, when our people are not allow to mine coal how can we allow such survey to be carried out because such exploratory works also involve extraction (of samples) and it may also affect the environment,” he said adding the decision of the district council will soon be conveyed to the GSI.

Meanwhile, the executive member also issued warned traditional heads not to issue NOC to any private companies without the knowledge of the Council. “We will take stern action against any traditional head who granted NOC to companies especially those engaged in mining activities,” Kharkongor said.