SHILLONG: Toughening his stand against uranium mining, the KHADC chief Ardent Basaiawmoit has made it clear that the present Executive Committee (EC) led by him will not allow the same to take place in West Khasi Hills.
Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Basaiawmoit said that even if the previous EC had given no objection certificate (NOC) to mine uranium, the present EC would not give its nod to mine uranium.
When pointed out that the former EC led by HS Shylla had given nod to mine uranium, Basaiawmoit said, “I have to verify the files and if there is such a decision, we will review it”.
He also made it clear if the construction of Wahkaji-Mawthabah road is to facilitate uranium mining, then the KHADC would re-think about the project and also the issue of uranium mining.
Earlier, there were allegations from the general secretary of Kylleng-Pyndeng Sohiong Uranium Land Owners’ Association, Heasdiengland Lyngdoh Sangriang that the road project is yet to be completed as out of the of the road length of 20 km, only 4 km of the road was blacktopped.
Demanding an inquiry into the matter, Sangriang had said that while earth cutting was carried out by the villagers, contract work was given to several persons from Shillong and West Khasi Hills. “Even after eight years, the road project is yet to be completed”, Sangriang said.
However, Basaiawmoit said that the fund was sanctioned after submission of utilization certificate and the role of the KHADC was only to engage the contractors for the road project.
Sangriang had earlier said that the seven villagers in and around the mining sites are were in favour of uranium mining and this was conveyed during the public hearing held in 2007.
Meet of ADCs’ chief: Meanwhile, Basaiawmoit has decided to convene a meeting of the chiefs of JHADC and GHADC to discuss the issues of common interest.
Though the meeting was earlier scheduled for Tuesday at KHADC, it was postponed due to the demise of Executive Member of GHADC LD Shira.
According to Basaiawmoit, the joint meeting of KHADC, JHADC and GHADC would help in taking up common issues jointly.
There are issues of influx, border dispute and others which are the concerns of all the district councils and the mutual discussions are aimed at solving these issues.