Shillong, March 10: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed the Assembly that almost 3 lakh MT of coal has been auctioned, which generated ₹ 70 crore revenue to the state.

Replying to the debate on the Governor’s address, Chief Minister said, “In the last few years, whatever movement has taken place was done legally. Almost 3 lakh MT of coal has been auctioned and brought ₹ 70 crore revenue to the state. 250 cases booked for illegal activities relating to coal mining. The MMDR Act was made applicable last year against those involved in illegal activities in coal mining,” said Sangma.

The Chief Minister further said, “Auctioning of Coal India Limited for 54,000 MT for East Jaintia Hills is at an advanced stage. Soon, we should be able to choose the buyer of this coal. Other districts will follow suit. The NGT has agreed to have a reserved price for coal auctioned to Rs 4,850 per metric tonnes.”

Stating that there seems to be a sense of negative look towards coal mining and industry in the state, the Chief Minister said, “This must change. This industry has been providing livelihood to many people for decades.”

“Suddenly a ban was imposed and from that day, what was okay for 200 years has suddenly become an illegal business,” he added.

Further, he reassured that the Government is committed to lifting the NGT ban, and within one year and three months, CM said, “we were able to lift the ban. The Opposition should do their homework. Coal mining is no longer banned. The SC has lifted the ban. The second step towards ensuring that we can give a mining lease was approved by the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of Meghalaya (GoM).”

“For the first time in India, earlier mining leases auction out by GoI but now, through SOP finalised, private mines can be leased out,” says CM Conrad Sangma.