‘No intention to mine uranium in Meghalaya’

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Monday said the State Government has no intention to carry out uranium mining in Meghalaya.
There were reports about opening of new uranium mines in West Khasi Hills which were considered as a move to carry out uranium mining in the State.
However, denying those reports, the chief minister told reporters on Monday that the State Government had no plan to conduct uranium mining in the State.
“The possibility of mining activities of uranium in respect of Meghalaya has to be seen only from the perspective of that kind of situation when it is considered     as in an appropriate time. As of now, I feel that there is no need for government to proceed ahead with any mining activities as far as uranium is concerned,” he said.
According to the chief minister, mining of uranium can be done only in a conducive atmosphere after taking the people of the State into confidence in the best interest of the nation.
“Engaging with the people and taking people into confidence through dialogue and enlightenment exercise on safety measures is a must before proceeding ahead with uranium mining in the State,” he asserted.
Kynshi project
Sangma also reminded that the issue of possible submergence of uranium deposits on the banks of the Kynshi river where the government had proposed to set up the 450 MW Kynshi hydroelectric project, was taken up with the Centre.
He said as far as Kynshi Stage-II is concerned, there was a fear that the hydel project will submerge the uranium deposits.
“Therefore, there was a need to get a clearance from the relevant central authorities and this was taken up and the stand of State Government was that as of now there is no plan to proceed ahead with uranium mining activities in the area,” the chief minister added.