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.

In a study by the Central Pollution Control Board, the Bharalu and Kolong rivers of Assam have featured among 71 most polluted in the country.

The river Bharalu and Kolong are among the 71 most polluted stretch of river in the country, according to a study by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Atomic point: Dr Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (right), and Dr Anjan Chaki, Director, AMD, at a meeting in Hyderabad on Wednesday.