Staff Reporter

Shillong, Feb 16: Meghalaya Govenor Phagu Chauhan today said that the government is taking steps to ensure scientific mining of coal.

Delivering his address in the first day of the Assembly's budget session, Chauhan said the Ministry of Coal, Government of India has approved 17 applications for grant of prospecting license.

Out of 17 applications, 6 applicants have submitted their geological report to the Central government and have obtained approval.

He said, the mining plan in respect of 4 applicants has been approved by the Ministry of Coal and is awaiting environment clearance.

"With these developments, it is expected that scientific mining of coal will begin soon," the Governor added.