“People with vested interest are spreading rumours in the State about the proposed Mining policy. I request the people not to be misled by such rumours,” Lanong said.
Assuring that the State was in the process to frame a “people-friendly Mining policy”, Lanong said there was “no truth” that the government would confiscate mines and mining areas through the proposed Mining policy.
The government, he added, is guided by law and it would not do anything that would harm the interest of the public. Lanong said, he met several mine-owners and coal dealers and gave them similar assurances.
“The Mining policy would not go against anyone who deals in coal or limestone, but against those who compromise the safety of lives and the environment,” Lanong said.
The State Government released the draft Mining policy on October 2 last year to stop the unscientific coal mining in Jaintia Hills that has polluted the environment. However, many argue the policy was drafted to facilitate Uranium mining in Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district.
The State Government has now sought opinions from political parties, social organisations, experts to be incorporated in the final draft.
Meanwhile, the 33-member committee headed by Lanong on Uranium Mining would hold its first meeting on March 2.