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. Massar said scientific mining has become important as it would help exploit mineral resources without endangering the environment. He said scientific methods would also ensure the safety and health of miners. The previous Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) Government had initiated the process for implementing a state mining policy. In fact, a few days before the Assembly elections, Mining and Geology Commissioner and Secretary A Som had said that the draft mining policy had been sent to both the Centre and the state Government for their approval. Several NGOs had protested against the setting-up of cement companies, especially in Jaintia Hills, claiming they violated environmental guidelines. Unscientific coal mining has also come under criticism. But, with a mining policy not in place, the coal mine owners and cement companies are not legally bound to follow environmental guidelines.