Shillong, June 7: Uncertainty looms large over extraction of limestone and its export, from Meghalaya to Bangladesh, which is yet to resume since November last year.

According to the exporters, the government is yet to allow them to export limestone to Bangladesh available in stocks from four limestone-deposit areas - Beltoli, Bholaganj and Shella in East Khasi Hills district and Bakli in South West Khasi Hills district till date.

The president of the Meghalaya Minerals Exporters' Chambers of Commerce, Stodar Dkhar, told reporters here today that the quantity of limestone available in stocks in the four areas is around 40 lakh tonnes.

"Though chief minister Mukul Sangma had stated in Assembly this year that there is no stoppage of export of limestone from the state, in reality limestone available in stocks are yet to be allowed for export since November 26 last year till date," Dkhar said.

"The state government, which is not in a good financial position, should allow us to export the available stocks so that we can pay some revenue to the government," he said, urging the state government to immediately facilitate export of limestone from Meghalaya to Bangladesh.

Dkhar said assessment on availability of limestone in the stocks was done by officials of the state forest department on May 16, but no decision has been taken in this regard.

He added the representatives of the chambers of commerce have also met Meghalaya environment and forest minister Clement Marak earlier, but he is not in good health.

On mining of "minor minerals", including limestone, in the state, Dkhar said small-time miners in the past would mine limestone and other minor minerals without impediment, but restrictions have been imposed now and miners have to obtain mining lease and quarry permit in respect of minor minerals under the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2016.

The rules have been framed in view of the directions of Meghalaya High Court in its order dated June 30, 2015 and November 26, 2015, asking the state government to take measures to regulate mining of minor minerals, including limestone, in the state.

Dkhar said with the coming of the new rules, many families, whose livelihood depends on minor minerals like limestone, have been affected.

"Only in four limestone-deposit areas, between 40,000 and 50,000 people depend on limestone mining. Individuals who want to carry out limestone mining, will have to go through various procedures. It is a long process where the miners have to get mining leases and quarry permits before carrying out mining activities, one has to have mining plans," Dkhar said.

He said he had submitted mining plans to the government but it took very long for the mining and geology department to approve the plans.

"For preparing the mining plan alone, miners have to spend lot time and money. This has really affected the people involved in mining activities," Dkhar said.

According to Section 19 (2) of the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2016, a mining plan shall be prepared by a person who possesses qualification and experience such as a degree in mining engineering or a post-graduate degree in geology granted by a university established or incorporated by or under an act of Parliament or state legislature or any institution recognised by the UGC.