The SC has permitted resumption of mining operations by French cement giant Lafarge in Meghalaya to supply limestone to its USD 255 million cement plant at Chhatak in Bangladesh. The move could provide a boost to Indo Bangla ties.

The apex court lifted its 17 month old stay on mining of limestone by Lafarge, which had caused much unease in diplomatic relationship between the two neighbors.

A three judge bench headed by CJI SH Kapadia upheld the legality of the ministry of environment and forest's clearance for such mining in 2010.

The ministry had told the apex court that Lafarge could resume limestone mining under a revised conservation plan and it would pay up to INR 130 crore towards afforestation and development of tribal areas around the mines.

The bench dismissed an appeal filed by Shella Action Committee, challenging the forest clearance and environmental impact assessment in favour of mining. It said limestone mining had been carried out in Nangtroi village in Meghalaya for centuries and has become part of their culture.

(Sourced from ET)