Arunachal Pradesh to Resume Mining Operations in Oil Wells

Constant pursuance by the Arunachal Pradesh government with the Centre has enabled the State to get forest clearance for Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) for 13 oil wells, which was pending for the last 14 years. Sources at the State Geology and Mining Department informed that Chief Minister Pema Khandu disclosed this during a departmental review meeting here on Monday. The objective of the meeting was to strengthen the department and address the manpower shortage to boost revenue generation.

The sources added that the State Government would be able to earn revenue to the tune of Rs 150 million annually out of all 13 oil wells, which will be run by Oil India Limited (OIL). The meeting also took important decision for resuming coal mining operation in Namchik-Namphuk coalfield in Changlang district, the operation of which remained suspended since May 2012 following a Supreme Court judgement, the sources disclosed.

The Chief Minister gave a ‘go ahead’ for settling the matter by deciding to pay additional levy of Rs 320 million imposed by the Ministry of Coal, the sources said adding, the decision would revive the Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development & Trading Corporation Ltd, a state government undertaking responsible for mining in Namchik-Namphuk area. The meeting also discussed on strengthening of staff position in the department, ways to curb illegal mining and empower the department to increase revenue generation, the sources added.