Dimapur, 25 August (MTNews): Principal Secretary for Geology and Mining, I Himato Zhimomi, underscored the paramount significance of conserving and conscientiously exploring the state’s natural resources.
Addressing the 43rd session of the State Geological Programming Board (SGPB), organized by the Department of Geology and Mining, on 25 August at the Conference Hall of the Directorate in Dimapur, Zhimomi urged participants to recognize their accountability for Nagaland’s future. He cautioned them to make prudent decisions concerning the utilization and extraction of natural resources. Zhimomi called for collective efforts to ensure sustainability for generations to come.
The objective of the meeting was to assess ongoing departmental activities and formulate the upcoming field season program. Esteemed scientists, technocrats, and policymakers from both within and outside the state participated in the event.
Khikiya Rengma, Director of the Geology and Mining Department, highlighted that the SGPB meeting aimed to coordinate and review geological field season programs across various organizations. It provided a platform for discussing new perspectives and strategies to advance the geosciences sector in the state. Rengma emphasized the department’s focus on expediting mineral exploration over the next decade. This vision entails mineral development through mineral block auctions, necessitating amendments to the state’s legal framework on mineral regulation to align with the National Mineral Policy. Such an approach aims to balance economic development with the preservation of land and resource rights.
The technical session encompassed discussions on various subjects, including confirming the previous SGPB meeting, evaluating the work done by different agencies and departments, approving the field season program for 2024-25, and addressing agenda items. Dr. Kenyelo Rengma, Additional Director of the Geology and Mining Department, led the session.