Ampati, May 19: In its effort to provide a forum for understanding of Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2016, the District Administration of South West Garo Hills in collaboration with the Divisional Forest Officer, Territorial, organized a one-day Orientation & Awareness Programme for the officials of the line departments and stakeholders including contractors, traders and consumers at Ampati on Friday.
Giving the introductory remarks, South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Cyril Diengdoh underlined the importance about the session which he said was organized to facilitate better awareness and knowledge among the stakeholders, particularly to those who would be applying for mining lease and quarry permits to expedite the process of implementation of the Minor Mineral Concession Rules.
The DFO (Territorial) West, South & South West Garo Hills (T) Division, Rahul Singh made a comprehensive presentation about the Minor Mineral Rules which was notified in September, 2016 to regulate mining and quarrying of minor minerals in the State. Earlier there were no such rules with regard to minor minerals in Meghalaya.
He highlighted the basic tenets of the MMMCR, 2016, the differences between the mining lease and quarry permit, how and where to apply for lease or permit for mining and quarrying and the basic guidelines to be followed while applying for lease or permit. He also told the prospective lessees and permit holders not to transport minor minerals without transport challan and warned them against Benami transaction informing them about the penalties for any contravention thereof.
The prospective lessees/ permit holders were asked to prepare a proper mining plan and were informed that no mining or quarrying was allowed within 50 metres from the village, bridge, water source, etc, while from the Disaster Management aspect no mining or quarrying would be allowed if the activity is likely to cause disasters.
They were also asked to strictly adhere to the relevant Labour laws while undertaking mining or quarrying activity of minor minerals. ADC & DPO, Ampati H.D.B. Sangma, ADC incharge Revenue & Disaster Management M.T. Sangma, Geologist, DMR, Tura, J.W.Sangma were among others who facilitated the discussion and responded to the queries put forth by the participants during the session.
