SHILLONG, March 16: The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Kongkal Sangma said that scientific coal mining in the state will start from this year, while clearly stating also on how far this kind of coal mining will be effectively implemented. He said that the approval to a few who already have a mining plan will be granted allowing them to begin the process of mining coal.
The Chief Minister said this while responding to the question presented by the MLA of Nongpoh, Mayralborn Syiem in the Assembly today.
He said that as per the Standard Operating Procedures, for the grant of prospective mining lease the applicant must own a minimum of 100 hectare of land, which is to verified with the submission of complete land deeds and documents along with other necessary documents followed by a fee of ₹5000 to be paid to the Secretary of Mining of the State Government. He said that this is just the start as there are also coal mine owners with smaller land holdings.
Sangma further said that this starting step is a bit complicated to follow as after all the necessary formalities are completed, the Government will then send the applications to the Ministry of Coal of the Government of India which will then approve the license, after which the State Government will allow for the mining of coal to begin.
He said that till date, 17 coal mine owners who have met all the necessary requirements will be getting the license, and all the 17 have been approved by the Indian Government and at present, they are conducting an inspection on the conditions of the land before the mining lease is granted.
