SHILLONG: In a fresh demand for uranium mining in state, as many as seven villages in and around the uranium mining sites in West Khasi Hills have urged the State Government to start mining.
The general secretary of Kylleng-Pyndeng Sohiong Uranium Land Owners’ Association, Heasdiengland Lyngdoh Sangriang told reporters that the villagers were ready for uranium mining and that the State Government should give its nod in this regard.
Sangriang, who is also the Chairman of the association of six villages, said that, besides Mawthabh, other six villages Nongbah Jynring, Nongtnger, Nongmalang, New Nongtnger, Lang Myndia and Mawiawlang have welcomed the uranium mining project.
Sangriang had earlier inquired, during the public hearing held in June, 2007, that although the villagers had agreed to uranium mining, what was keeping the state government from providing the NOC to Uranium Corporation of India Limited to undertake mining in the uranium rich sites.
Recently, in view of the frequent power cuts in Meghalaya, the former state Chief Secretary HWT Syiem had advocated the need for uranium mining in the state.
According to Sangriang, though the uranium mining project received forest clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in December, 2007, the State Government has not yet made any further move to tap uranium.
Sangriang said that since uranium would be scientifically mined, there should not be any fear of radiation and in addition, “this will bring more employment opportunities and accelerate the economic activity,”.
When questioned about the fear of influx of migrants following the inception of uranium mining, the village elders consoled that the Government and the village authorities have enough laws to protect the welfare of the indigenous people.
The village elders asserted that since the lease period for the land required for mining is 30 years, which will be renewed every five years, there is no question of outright sale of land.
When contacted, a UCIL official said that though the KHADC had given clearance to the uranium mining project, the State Government is yet to give its nod.
