Need to amend the Manipur Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2012: Minister Biswajit

IMPHAL

A joint coordination meeting on mining in Manipur was chaired by Textiles, Commerce and Industry, Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh focusing on minor minerals such as sand, stone and clay at the Conference Hall on Wednesday.

It is said that the meeting was organised after certain queries from the public regarding the shortage of construction materials after a ban was imposed on mining and transportation of minor minerals in 2019 by the High Court of Manipur.

Singh also directed the officials of the Geology and Mining to coordinate with the Forest Department for environmental clearance. It also discussed the need to put up in the state cabinet for amendment of the Manipur Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2012.

He also urged the officials of the Forest Department to share the information regarding the mineral administration to the officials of Geology and Mining, as it is said that the Mineral Administration was handed over to the Commerce & Industries Department only in 2018.

The Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Awangbow Newmai and other officials also attended the meeting.

(Edited by Christopher Gatphoh)