Scientific coal mining to begin this year in Meghalaya

23 Mar 2022 CW Team

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told the media that the scientific coal mining in the state of Meghalaya is expected to commence this year.

Assertions of the chief minister came eight years after the ban of unscientific coal mining and transportation by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in the North-eastern state.

It is expected that the operations will begin in some mines in the next six to eight months. A total of 17 entities submitted their applications for coal prospecting license grants and each of them has received approval from the central government.

He said that they are currently in the exploration stage for the generation of geological reports before getting mining leases.

The chief minister told the media that since it is happening in the state for the first time it will be a slow process.

Sangma said that this is going to be a learning experience for everyone including the landowners, miners, and government agencies. The process will be streamlined as we move forward.

The chief minister told the media that several awareness programs especially for miners had been conducted in the different coal-rich areas of the state.

In 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned unscientific rat-hole coal mining along with the transportation for the safety of miners as well as environmental protection.

Image Source

Also read: India expects private coal mines to produce 350-400 mt coal by 2030

Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

Centre Disburses Over Rs 24,610 mn in XV Finance Commission Grants

The Union Government has released XV Finance Commission tied grants during the financial year 2025–26 to rural local bodies in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim and has released withheld portions of tied and untied grants to Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura. The total disbursal exceeded Rs 24,610 mn, with figures expressed in million (mn) thereafter. The releases cover allocations pertaining to different financial years and aim to strengthen rural local governance. State-wise disbursements included Rs 3,324.6 mn for Punjab, Rs 9,432.7 mn for Madhya Pradesh, Rs 3,47..

Centre Releases Over Rs 15 bn as XV FC Grants to Rural Bodies

The Union Government has released over Rs 15 bn in grants recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in six states. The funds comprise tied and untied grants disbursed in FY 2025–26. Telangana received Rs 2.48 bn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26, benefitting 12600 Gram Panchayats (GPs). Uttarakhand received Rs 913.1 mn as the second instalment and an additional Rs 18.4 mn of a withheld first instalment was released to a further 216 GPs. Mizoram is included among beneficiary st..

Government Assures Fuel Supplies And Seafarer Safety Amid West Asia Developments

The Government of India has stepped up coordinated measures to maintain stability in critical sectors as developments in West Asia continue to unfold. It has prioritised uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguarded maritime operations and extended consular assistance to nationals. Central authorities are working with State and Union territory administrations to ensure timely information dissemination and operational continuity. Refineries are reported to be operating at high capacity with adequate inventories of petrol and diesel, and domestic LPG production has been increased to support consump..