By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Notwithstanding widespread opposition from various corners, Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary has advocated the need for Uranium mining which according to him would benefit the State immensely in terms of power generation.
“Uranium is an important natural resource since it is a critical source for generation of power,” Mooshahary said while addressing a national seminar on ‘Mining: impact assessment on the economy, ecology, technology, polity and society’ organised by Sankardev College and BBS College here on Thursday.
Appealing to the ‘anti-uranium groups’ to look at the issue in a more rational way, the Governor expressed confidence that all necessary steps would be taken by the concerned authorities to ensure safe mining of uranium in the State.
“Besides using the latest technology to adhere to the safety norms, another important factor is that people will not be displaced from the mining area. Necessary steps would also be taken to ensure that the land is refilled and there is vegetation in the areas post the mining of uranium,” the Governor said, while pointing out that mining of uranium was unlike mining of coal.
Meanwhile, Mooshahary also expressed concern over the delay in implementation of the State Mining Policy which is expected to regulate unscientific mining in the State.
Lamenting on the improper mining practices prevalent in the State, the Governor said unscientific mining of coal and limestones have brought about environmental degradation and affected the life and property of people residing near the mining belt.
Mooshahary though, was hopeful, that the proposed Mining Policy will take into account the various issues and find a solution for a better co-existence of technology and environment.
Stressing on the need to make use of the latest technology in mining, the governor said, “With the application of science and technology and proper method of mining, the impact on the environment would be minimized to a large extent”.