Assamcabinet ministersJogen MohanandBimal Borahheard the views of the stakeholders for formulating a policy for easy import of coal in various industries ofBarak Valleyand export of betel nuts produced in this southern Assam area.
Taking part in the meeting, the two ministers said a policy would be formulated to facilitate the import of coal from Barak Valley by protecting the interests of all.
Uday Shankar Goswami, on behalf of the brick kiln industries, said 400 metric tonnes of coal were needed to produce 1.5 million bricks a year in each of the 100 brick fields in Cachar district. He also said brick kilns need coal from November to February.
On behalf of the tea planters, it was stated that 25,000 metric tonnes of coal were required for 57 tea gardens in Cachar district alone. The betel growers also proposed to formulate a policy to facilitate betel export outside the valley.