The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has urged the Meghalaya government to amend the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules 2016.
In a letter to the Chief Minister today, KHADC Chief Executive Member Titosstarwell Chyne said, “I would like to suggest to the government of Meghalaya to bring necessary amendment to the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules 2016 to ease the difficulties faced by the general public and the institutions like Dorbar Shnong, VEC, etc and also to ensure that the people depending on mining for their livelihood will not be affected.”
Individuals, traditional authorities and Village Employment Councils (VECs) face difficulties in getting permissions for mining and extraction of sand, stones, gravel due to the stringent provisions of the state government’s rules, Chyne said.
The CEM said that the individuals who apply for mining and quarry permits are also facing difficulties as the authorities do not recognize the land documents issued by traditional institutions, such as the Dorbar Kur, Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima but instead demand deeds registered with the state government, which are very expensive to obtain.
The KHADC has specifically sought for the amendment of Rule 3, Rule 6 and Rule 24 to smoothen the process for the public.
