Shillong, Jan 15: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday announced that four individuals have been granted mining licences in Meghalaya, with investments in mining equipment and operational infrastructure already underway.
Addressing a press conference, Sangma said that coal extracted through scientific mining has been successfully dispatched on two occasions, marking a significant milestone in the state’s mining reforms. He further informed that around 17 to 20 additional applications for mining licences are currently pending approval with the Central Government.
“The most challenging phase of implementing the new system is now behind us. With Standard Operating Procedures firmly in place, our focus has shifted to expanding scientific mining and bringing more miners into the formal process,” the Chief Minister said, expressing optimism that more licences will be approved in the coming months.
CM Sangma: Meghalaya Government Won’t Build Railways Without Public Consent
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has stated that the Meghalaya government will not undertake any railway construction projects in Khasi-Jaintia Hills without prior approval from the people of the state.
Speaking today, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of securing public consent for railway projects in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region. “The government will move forward only after consulting the people and obtaining their agreement,” he said.
He noted that while a committee had been formed to oversee the proposal, civil society organizations have so far not participated actively in the process.
Highlighting the complexities of railway development in the region, CM Sangma stressed that the project must be carefully planned and implemented, ensuring that all safety and technical requirements are fully addressed.
CM Sangma Orders Enquiry Into Fatal Rajabala Incident
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said an enquiry has been ordered into the January 9 incident in Rajabala village, South West Garo Hills, in which youth Dilseng M. Marak was killed and another person injured.
The incident occurred when members of the NGO Achik were allegedly attacked by unidentified assailants while inspecting an allegedly illegal stone quarry. Sangma said the enquiry report is awaited.
Highlighting the context, the Chief Minister noted that the mining licence process involves multiple departments, posing challenges for miners in the Garo Hills. He added that the government assists genuine miners in completing documentation, while illegal mining is strictly prohibited until licences are granted.
