Union Minister of Steel and Mines Narendra Singh Tomar met Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and discussed developments related to the mining sector in north eastern states, including Megalaya.
The meeting was held in Shillong in the presence of senior officials of the ministry.
Tomar gave details of the MMDR Act 2015 and explained how it will usher in greater transparency and a better ease of doing business. He also provided a mechanism in the form of a District Mineral Foundation (DMF) for the provision of funds for development of areas affected by mining.
He also informed about the setting up of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for giving impetus to exploration.
Actions taken for the implementation of the Act was also discussed during the meeting.
Sangma agreed to the formation of a committee to expedite and intensify exploration activities in the state and to ensure a quick closure of abandoned mines.
Tomar further said that the Centre is aware about the ban on coal mining imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Meghalaya, and added that the tribunal's ruling has to be accepted as the degradation of the environment is an area of critical concern.
Emphasising on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to bring the north eastern region at par with the rest of the country, Tomar said that the Centre and the state will work together to usher progress and prosperity in Meghalaya through interventions in areas such as mineral exploration.
Concluding the meeting, Sangma thanked Tomar for the visit and highlighted the thrust areas for the state government.
