Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Prestone Tynsong on September 9th, 2019 informed that the state government is committed to promote scientific, environment-friendly and safe coal mining in the state.

Replying to a question at the zero hour in the Meghalaya State Assembly, Tynsong said that the government is currently dedicated to safeguarding the rights and interests of indigenous people with respect to their rights over mineral resources.

He also added that the government will soon lay down steps that will be followed for safe coal mining in the state complying to the statutory acts and rules.

Furthermore, Tynsong said that earlier the biggest obstacle for coal mining in the state was mandatory allotment of coal blocks/mining lease to a company through auction by competitive bidding under provisions of Section 11 A of MMDR Act, 1957.

Now, no auction process will be followed for coal mining in the state.

Photo: ohmeghalaya.com