GUWAHATI, Nov 21 � Though Assam and Meghalaya are reportedly having vast reserves of iron ore, the same is yet to be tapped and the Centre as well as the concerned state governments are yet to take effective steps for tapping the resources.
The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) has already taken up the matter with the Department for Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) and the Governments of Assam and Meghalaya. But the response from the Governments is awaited.
In a letter to the DONER, the NEDFi said that in a preliminary study, it was found that iron ores having more than 60 percent iron content was available in Karbi Anglong district of Assam and Nongstoin area of Meghalaya. The letter said that the NEDFi had engaged Dr PJ Deka, retired head of the Geology Department of the Gauhati University and his report was enclosed with the letter.
The NEDFi requested the DONER to convene a meeting of the stakeholders so that a detailed roadmap can be drawn up with a proper action plan. The NEDFi also assured that it would be ready to depute its experts in the field so that an overall strategy for utilization of the iron ore reserves in the NE region can be chalked out.
Copies of the letter were sent to the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya. However, neither the DONER nor the State Governments responded to the letter from the NEDFi to ensure proper utilization of the iron ore reserves available in the states.
