The Meghalaya government is committed to promote scientific, environment-friendly and safe coal mining in the state, said Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.

In a replyduring the Zero Hour discussion of the autumn session of the state Assembly,the deputy CM said, "We are committed to protect the rights and interests ofindigenous people in respect of their rights over mineral resources.

He furtherstated that the government will shortly law down steps to be followed forstarting scientific, safe and environmentally sound coal mining in the statecomplying with all statutory Acts and Rules.