Meghalaya Assembly witnessed heated debates over coal mining

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Assembly, on Monday, witnessed heated debate between Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and leaders of the Opposition Congress on various aspects relating to the issue of coal mining.

Congress legislator, Zenith Sangma wanted to know the exact amount of extracted coal lying all over the State from the Chief Minister. The Congress MLA questioned as to whether the 32 lakh metric ton (MT) unclaimed coal that has been declared as inventory was 'practically' present.

Conrad slammed back saying that the stock was declared by the previous government in the year 2014-2015. "Why did he not question the declaration back then, when he was a Minister in the MUA government?, the CM retorted further posing, " This 32 lakh MT is not created by us; it was in 2015 during your time; so why are you blaming us?"

Earlier, Independent MLA from Mawphlang S.K. Sunn asked as to whether coal mining operations has begun in the State, if mining leases have been given out and if not, how much revenue has the State lost since July 2019 – when the Supreme Court permitted coal mining operations in the State.

Responding to the queries, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated that applications — in compliance of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act 1957 and Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 — are being processed for authorising the landowners to grant the 'Prospecting License'. Sangma narrated the entire procedure for acquiring a lease; and stated that till date, the process has not been completed because the application process has a lot of steps.

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