Govt allows mining ops, industrial units to resume from May 4

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 1, 2020

The state government has decided to allow mining operations, industrial units and public transport to resume from May 4, even as it warned to cancel permission if they are found violating the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

After a review meeting on Friday, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters that mining of major and minor minerals duly licensed by the government will be allowed to resume with effect from May 4.

Tynsong however said no export activities of minerals will be allowed outside the country until further orders.

“But in as far as domestic market meaning outside the state but within the country is concerned, it is allowed provided that SOPs are strictly followed,” he added.

Asked if coal being a major mineral would also be allowed for transportation since the NGT panel had earlier this year approved auctioning of 2 lakh metric tons of already extracted coal, the deputy CM however said the process will still take a lot of time.

“That process is still on and it will take a long way to go. I don’t think within a month’s time we will be able to start movement of coal,” he said.

On the reopening of industrial estates, Tynsong said industrial units at Byrnihat and Umiam in Ri Bhoi, West Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills will also resume their activities from Monday. He however maintained that bringing of outside labourers will not be allowed.

He also informed that the government has also asked all cement manufacture industries to submit details of their respective working plans.

“The working plan relates to bringing of materials from outside the state so that the government can regulate the movement of trucks. Once the proposals are received, decision will accordingly be taken,” he added.

Asked, Tynsong said the industrial units have been asked to submit undertakings which will also ensure no outside labourers are engaged. “Our officers will also conduct inspection on the ground and if anyone is found violating the protocols including social distancing norms, action will be taken to the extent of cancelling or closing down such units,” he stated.

The deputy CM further announced that that public transportation will be allowed to resume in the entire state except Shillong agglomeration (being a hot-spot for COVID-19), where restrictions are still there.

“The deputy commissioners and district transport officers have been asked to workout the modalities to ensure public transportation should be put in place but not in full strength. They can allow only 25 percent of the public transportation to ply on alternate days,” he said.

On the other hand, Tynsong however said private transportation will not be allowed except for emergency cases where they have to obtain necessary permission from the DC office.

The deputy CM further requested all concerned to follow the SOPs issued by the health department strictly to prevent spread of COVID-19 in the state.