As parts of efforts to improve air connectivity in the Northeast, the government is upgrading 10 airports in the region at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore, reports PTI. The North Eastern Council has entered into an MoU with the Airports Authority of India for funding of 10 airports in the ratio of 60:40, the government said in a report tabled in Parliament. Works on seven airports has since been completed and is continuing in three other airports. An amount of Rs 50 crore has been earmarked for ongoing upgradation works of airports in the region in the annual plan during 2007-08.

The Union Health Ministry has convened a meeting with the health directors of all the northeastern states at Guwahati on April 9 to discuss the outbreak of malaria in East Garo Hills district even bef

Meghalaya Mining and Geology Minister Donkupar Massar has said that the mining policy would have to be strictly implemented to regulate unscientific mining in the state.

A transition period is essential for people to adopt the mooted mining ideas under the State's mining policy, feels Meghalaya Minister in-charge of Geology and Mining Donkupar Massar.

A review meeting is scheduled to take place on April 9 between Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry officials and Health Directors of northeastern States at Guwahati to discuss the recent outbreak

Meghalaya Mining and Geology Minister Donkupar Massar has said that the mining policy would have to be strictly implemented to regulate unscientific mining in the state. He, however, did not give an exact time-frame for the same. Massar, however, assured that coal mine owners would not be forced to adopt the policy immediately. "A transition period is essential for the coal mine owners to shift to scientific mining,' he said, adding that discussions would be held with coal mine owners and miners before the implementation.

At least two persons have died of suspected meningococcal meningitis in Meghalaya. Nine others are suspected to be suffering from the disease in West Khasi and Ri Bhoi districts.