GUWAHATI, June 28: Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, on Saturday reaffirmed the Central Government’s full support to the mineral and coal-rich states of the Northeast, announcing a push for improved mining infrastructure, fast-tracked project approvals, and sustainable development during the Mining Ministers’ Conclave held in Guwahati.

Speaking on the second day of the conclave, Reddy emphasized that the development of the Northeast is central to the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, describing the eight Northeastern states—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—as “Ashta Lakshmi” of India. He said that enhanced Centre-State coordination will be key to generating employment, attracting investments, and promoting inclusive growth through the mineral and coal sectors.

“The Centre is fully committed to supporting the Northeast in unlocking its mineral potential. We aim to empower the region with better infrastructure, faster clearances, and sustainable mining practices,” Reddy stated.

During the conclave, representatives from all eight states presented state-specific roadmaps for developing their mining and coal sectors. Ministers and senior officials from Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, along with the Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, outlined achievements and plans involving critical mineral exploration, revival of coal blocks, development of minor minerals, and adoption of environmentally sustainable mining models.

The discussion reflected a shared vision of balancing ecological concerns with economic progress, with states also calling for enhanced central assistance to tackle regional challenges and fully harness their resource potential.

Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, stressed the importance of intensifying mineral exploration, especially for strategic and critical minerals. He urged agencies such as the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL), and state governments to collaborate using modern, time-bound, and targeted exploration techniques.

Lohiya also noted that the Centre has extended significant policy and financial support for exploration efforts and called for immediate action to build on this momentum.