Meghalaya seeks South Korea expertise on land reclamation

Meghalaya Power Minister James K. Sangma on Saturday said that the state government has sought the help of South Korea on land reclamation and to address the problem of waste management.

During a bilateral meeting between Meghalaya government and a delegation from South Korea led by Ambassador Shin Bong-Kil, issues related to solid waste management, closure, reclamation, restoration, rehabilitation of mining affected areas and polluted rivers and water bodies were discussed.

"We have sought their expertise on issues related to solid waste management, closure, reclamation, restoration, rehabilitation of mining affected areas and polluted rivers and water bodies," the Power Minister told journalists after the meeting.

Bong-Kil was accompanied by representatives from a Korean company which specialises in the fields of reclamation of abandoned mines and restoration of forest, environment and water bodies affected by coal mining and the India Head of Korea Trade Promotion-Investment Agency (KOTRA) to explore the possibilities of economic cooperation and bilateral trade and investments in the state.

Meghalaya Forest Minister Lahkmen Rymbui along with senior government officials also attended the meeting.

"Meghalaya was very keen to cooperate with the Republic of Korea in areas such as reclamation of abandoned mines, restoration of water bodies, in which South Korea has the expertise and experience to carry out the same," the South Korean Ambassador said.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma would also lead a team of delegates from the state to South Korea to further strengthen the ties between the two governments particularly in undertaking various collaborative projects.

Bong-Kil, who later attended the closing function of this year's India International Cherry Blossom Festival expressed to learn that Korean pop is immensely popular in the state.

The South Korean Ambassador said that he expects mutual cooperation in cultural and economic sphere between South Korean and Meghalaya.

"This is the best ever time in bilateral relationship between the two countries and the future looks even better and Meghalaya can contribute to it," Bong-Kil said.

( With inputs from IANS )