Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik told the State Assembly on Friday that a pilot project on restoration of streams affected by acidic water in East Jaiñtia Hills district is under implementation and showing promising results.

Addressing members of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on the first day of the budget session on Friday, Malik said the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad is developing a technology for treating acid mine drainage generated from coal mines.

He informed that the state government has implemented an action plan for restoration of the environment affected by coal mining in the state and a pilot project on treatment of acid mine drainage by using locally available limestone has been completed.

He said another pilot project on restoration of streams affected by acidic water in East Jaiñtia Hills district is under implementation and showing promising results.

The department is planning for reclamation and greening of coal mining affected lands through afforestation works in the current year.

Rathole coal mining has been banned in Meghalaya by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) since April 17, 2014.