The 43rd session of the State Geological Programming Board (SGPB), organized by the Department of Geology and Mining, took place on August 25th, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the Conference Hall of the Directorate in Dimapur and saw the participation of esteemed scientists, technocrats, and policy makers from both within and outside the state. The objective of the meeting was to assess ongoing departmental activities and formulate the upcoming field season program.
I. Himato Zhimomi, Principal Secretary, Geology and Mining, stressed the importance of preserving and judiciously exploring the natural resources within the state. He urged participants to consider the accountability they hold for the future of Nagaland and cautioned them to make careful decisions regarding the utilization and extraction of natural resources. He called for a collective effort towards ensuring sustainability for future generations.
Director of Geology and Mining Department, Khikiya Rengma, noted that the SGPB meeting aimed to coordinate and review geological field season programs across various organizations. It served as a platform to discuss new perspectives and strategies for advancing the geosciences sector in the state. Rengma highlighted the department's focus on expediting mineral exploration over the next 10 years. The vision involves mineral development through mineral block auctions, necessitating amendments to the state's legal framework on mineral regulation to align with the National Mineral Policy. This approach aims to balance economic development with the safeguarding of land and resource rights.
The technical session included discussions on various topics, such as the confirmation of the previous SGPB meeting, appraisal of work done by different agencies and departments, approval of the field season program for 2024-25, and discussions on the agenda items. The session was led by Dr. Kenyelo Rengma, Additional Director of the Geology and Mining Department.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Er. Kereisiezo Sachu, Joint Director (M) of the Geology and Mining Department.
(Akamla, IA Dimapur)
