Ban on mining: KHADC holds talks with land owners, coal traders

FROM A REPORTER

SHILLONG, July 5: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Tuesday organised a meeting with landowners and coal traders to find ways for lifting the ban on coal mining in Meghalaya.

The meeting was attended by KHADC Executive Members (EM), MDCs including landowners and coal traders from Borsohra, Shahlang, Sohra and even from Jaintia hills. Speaking to newsmen after the meeting KHADC Chief P N Syiem said, “We have taken a decision that any party filing a civil appeal in the Supreme Court to ensure ban on coal mining is lifted in the state should cooperate with the District Council so that when we file an affidavit in support of the appeal it will be as per our customary practices and as per provisions of the Sixth Schedule.” He informed that the Council after being made a performer respondent in a civil appeal filed by the Hima Nongstoin Land Owners, Coal Traders & Producer Association (HNLOCTPA) has decided to soon invite them to coordite on filing the affidavit as per customary practices.

“We will soon send our officers and EMs to have proper consultation with our Supreme Court lawyers so that whatever we do it will be as per our customary practices. Be it mining issue or the environment,” he said.

The KHADC CEM has also appealed the state government speed up the process in bringing proper mining policy and regulations.