Mining not regulated: NA committee (Economy)
Thimphu, January 06: The public accounts committee of the National Assembly in its first report said mining activities in the country are operating without proper legal guidelines, in line with a minister’s statement recently who said mining in Bhutan is affecting West Bengal state of India.
The committee in its report said mines in Bhutan lack transparency, do not follow environment-friendly precautions and violate mining regulations.
The report said mines are being operated before they were their report on feasibility studies approved by government. It further said the mines have destroyed environment, private property, villages, and roads and that mining waste was not disposed off in designated areas.
Two mines – Chunaikhola dolomite and Khothakpa gypsum – were operating without clearance from dzongkhags and forestry departments.
There are 72 companies in Samtse, Paro and Chhukha. Bhutan News Service