Claim rapid rise in cancer cases post drilling
SHILLONG: Residents of Laitduh, a village adjacent to Dain Thlen falls, have voiced strong opposition to the move to call for tender for drilling purposes in the village. The villagers, while reacting to a tender notice issued in March, urged the KHADC CEM to ensure, that no objection certificate (NOC) is not given to any company or contractor to carry out the drilling.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Sordar of Laitduh, W. Lyngdoh said that the villagers were unaware what the drilling was all about even as he informed that some companies had started the process back in 2002-2003 leaving around 70-80 200 m deep holes in the area.
“It is believed that there is presence of uranium in the area as post drilling many people from the area suffered from various diseases, mainly cancer and tuberculosis… Even worse we are now forced to drink contaminated water as several water bodies have gone dry,” he claimed reiterating that many people in the village have died of cancer.
The Sordar also added that presence of iron and acid were detected after water samples were sent for tests.
He pointed out that prior to the exploration of uranium in the area the water bodies were clean and bustling throughout the year.
The Sordar was accompanied by locals from Wah Kaliar villages near Cherrapunjee and Mawphu.
“There are no fishes and trees are slowly decaying resulting in utmost damage to our produce,” said a woman from Mawphu.
Meanwhile, expressing his helplessness on the matter, the KHADC CEM said that it depends on the people whether they want the drilling or not.
“The CEM only stated that if there is opposition against the drilling, he will not issue the NOC,” said president of KSU’s South Khasi Hills unit, M. Bynnud.
Earlier, Lyngdoh informed that Laitduh has only over 48 households while residents of 24 adjoining villages have also joined the cause of opposing any further drilling in the area.