The Ministry of Coal has approved the geological report of four out of 17 applicants vying for prospective licenses for scientific coal mining in Meghalaya.
The geological report is required to be approved under the provisions of the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960.
This was stated by the Mining and Geology Department to the Justice B P Katakey committee which is monitoring the implementation of the Supreme Court’s order on scientific coal mining in the State.
The four successful applicants include Nehlang Lyngdoh from Rymbai Synrang Shahkhain village, East Jaintia Hills; Maksing Sibren from Nongbri Nongkulang village, South West Khasi Hills; Thomas Nongtdu from Byndihati village, East Jaintia Hills ; and Wenni Diengngan from Sdaddkhar village, West Khasi Hills.
Previous approval of the Central government for grant of mining lease has also been granted in respect of the four applicants, who have submitted the mining plans, which have also been approved by the Ministry of Coal.
According to the Mining and Geology Department, these project proponents have submitted their applications to complete the environment clearance from the concerned authorities in the State government and the Central government, which is yet to be granted.
The Mining and Geology Department also stated that the Coal Ministry has approved two more geological reports. There was however no information as to whether the Central government has granted previous approval for grant of mining lease and whether any mining plan has been submitted by the two additional applicants.
During the field visit conducted on February 1, the Justice B P Katakey Committee has been apprised by the advisor and other officers of one the applicants that coal would be mined by adopting the open cast mining method and it is expected to take at least six months time for commencement of mining subject to the grant of environment clearance.
“The adverse effect, if any, on the habitat as well as on the topography of the mining area and also on the environment would need to be gone into by the appropriate authorities while considering the applications filed for environment clearance,” the committee said in its 20th interim report submitted to the Meghalaya High Court recently.
