J&K admin approves grant of mining rights through short-term permits to PRIs

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday approved the grant of mining rights through short-term permits to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the Union Territory, an official spokesman said. The Administrative Council (AC), which met here under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu, approved the amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral […]

Assam CM orders judicial probe into illegal coal mining at Dehing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday ordered a judicial inquiry into the illegal coal mining at the Dehing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary. Retired Justice Brajendra Prasad Kataki of the Gauhati High Court will look into the coal mining in the sanctuary since 2003, according to a release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Several petitions […]

Coal India will not be privatised; given target of billion tonnes output by 2023: Pralhad Joshi

Making it clear that discussion is on to give some exemption for expansion of non-coal mining block to some extent from public hearing and environmental clearance, Union Parliamentary Affairs, Coal & Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday stated that satellite cameras observe mining activities and identify violations, which would be conveyed to the State Government. […]

Coal workers’ strike enters 3rd day, 5 trade unions to decide next course of action

The three-day nationwide strike by coal workers, which entered the third day on Saturday, has been “100 percent peaceful,” a trade union leader said. Five trade unions, including RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), of Coal India (CIL) have been on strike since Thursday to protest against the government’s decision to start commercial coal mining. The […]

Jharkhand moves SC against Centre’s decision to auction state’s coal blocks for commercial mining

Jharkhand government has moved the Supreme Court against the Centre’s decision to auction coal blocks situated in the state for commercial mining alleging that the announcement was made “unilaterally” without its consultation. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led government has filed an original suit under Article 131 of the Constitution which provides for the state to move […]