IT News
Imphal, Nov. 18:
Textiles, Commerce and Industry, Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh today chaired a joint coordination meeting on mining in Manipur specially focussing on minor minerals like sand, stone and clay at the Conference Hall of his Secretariat Office. The meeting was also attended by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Awangbow Newmai.
The meeting was specially held with regards to certain queries from the general public on the shortage of the construction materials after a ban was imposed on mining and transportation of minor minerals in 2019 by the High Court of Manipur.
Biswajit asserted the importance to strengthen and formulate new policy and regulation for the recognised mining areas and instructed the officials to identify mining zones at the earliest. He also directed the officials of the Geology and Mining to coordinate with the Forest Department for the environmental clearance irrespective of whether the area falls in forest area or not.
The meeting also discussed the need to put up in the state cabinet for amending of the Manipur Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2012. Minister urged the officials of the Forest Department to share the information regarding the mineral administrations to the officials of Geology and Mining as the Mineral Administration was handed over to the Commerce & Industries Department only in 2018.
During the meeting, officials of Geology and Mining presented a powerpoint presentation on the issues concerning minor mining in the state. Minister instructed officials of both the departments to take stringent action against those who indulge in illegal mining.
The meeting was attended by the officials concerned of both the departments of Forest & Environment, Textiles, and Commerce & Industry.
