Environmental commitment must: Tomar

Union Minister for Steel & Mines Narendra Singh Tomar today said that environmental commitment must take precedence over all other concerns and urged the Meghalaya government to regulate mining of minerals.
The Union minister was referring to the National Green Tribunal ban on unscientific coal mining in the state affecting the financial position of the state which is understood to have reduced by over Rs 600 crore in the last financial year.
"This situation arose due to the circumstances. It is true, when we see today, we see some losses, but whatever NGT has said is for the security of the environment. We had been negligent," Tomar told PTI after a brief meeting with state Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.

He said, "The stakeholders should express their own views, and if needed, the central government will also put forth its views."
According to the Minister, the Centre is seized of the matter and will give a patient hearing to all stakeholders whose economic activities have been affected.
The minister, however, emphasised that environmental commitment would take precedence over all other concerns.

"NE region is very beautiful but backward in terms of development....The PM wants to bring the region at par with rest of country and that's why all ministers are coming to NE and learning of the problems here and trying to find out how to help the region in legal and economic terms," Tomar said.

On mineral explorations, the Union Minister said the Centre will ensure that GSI will pay full attention to mineral exploration and the Chief Ministers will monitor the activities.
Earlier during the meeting, Tomar gave details of the MMDR Act 2015 and explained how it will usher in greater transparency and better ease of doing business, besides providing a mechanism in the form of District Mineral Foundation (DMF), for provision of funds for development of areas affected by mining, official sources said.
He also informed about setting up of National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for giving due emphasis to exploration, they said.

Sangma has agreed to constitution of a committee to expedite and intensify exploration activities in the state and to ensure quick closure of abandoned mines.
He said that there was a need for proper mapping for exploration of minerals.