MMECC expresses concern over delay in export

LIMESTONE EXPORT TO B’DESH

From A Reporter

SHILLONG, June 7: The Meghalaya Mineral Exporter’s Chambers of Commerce (MMECC) has expressed concern over the delay of the state government to reopen the export of limestone to Bangladesh which is still in stock.

Addressing reporters in the city on Wednesday, Stodar Dkhar president MMECC urged the Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to give his approval on the reopening of export of limestone to Bangladesh which is still in stock at the earliest as at present people dependent on limestone for their livelihood are constantly facing problems to support their family.

He informed that the export of limestone was stopped on November 26, 2016 and on March 23, 2017 the government had sought details on the remaining stock, later on May 4, 2017 the inspection on the measurement of the remaining stock of limestone started and on May 16, 2017 the inspection was completed by the forest department.

In this connection, he said, “The DFO Khasi Hills Territorial Division had submitted his report to the state government but till date the decision to approve the export of limestone to Bangladesh is still pending with the government.”

He said with the reopening of transport the government will gain revenue the people will once again attain employment.

“The state government received around Rs. 14 crore in the span of 10 months when export of limestone was recently opened,” he said adding that others are demanding for enhancement of salary from the government but all we want is that export of limestone is reopened so that we can also give revenue to the state government.

When asked on the present quantity of limestone in stock, Dkhar informed that including Beltoli, Bholaganj, Shella and Bakli the quantity of limestone is around 40 lakh metric tons.