Officials from the Union Ministry of Coal will soon visit West Khasi Hills as part of the process to get so-called scientific mining going in the state.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said this today while out campaigning in Nongstoiñ constituency for the February 21 district council elections. His pitch centred on the efforts of his government and the National People’s Party (NPP) that he leads to get coal mining going again in Meghalaya after the National Green Tribunal banned the hitherto prevalent rat-hole mining in 2014.
“Officials from the Coal Ministry have already inspected the mines in Jaintia Hills and will soon visit the mines in West Khasi Hills. We have overcome one of the biggest challenges and we hope it will bring positive change,” he said.
Sangma also said that his government is on the side of small scale extractors of sand and stone, etc and has petitioned the central government for exemptions from onerous rules and regulations on their behalf.
He also made it clear that it is in the people’s interest to back the NPP at the district council elections as the party holds the reins of power in the Assembly.
“There will be a lot of heat during the elections, but after they are over, people will again talk about development, livelihoods and the support they need,” he said. “Our party holds an absolute majority in the Assembly. It is only the NPP that can provide the necessary support and bring the development we deserve. Therefore, it is imperative that we vote for the government that can deliver on development. We should not think in any other way but to vote for the ruling party.”
Although other parties are making many claims and promises, when the election is over they will “disappear along with their promises”, the CM added. “Think about what will happen after February 24.” he said, referring to the day the votes will be counted.
