SHILLONG: The officials and scientists of Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) informed that they have stopped all AMD operations in the state following reactions from NGOs who charged the AMD of carrying out uranium mining in Mawthabah -Wahkaji.
The AMD officials and scientists were summoned by the Executive Member (EM) of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Latiplang Kharkongor on Wednesday to seek explanation from the AMD on the alleged uranium mining in Mawthabah-Wahkaji area.
AMD Deputy Regional Director, Rahul Banerjee said, “In Meghalaya we have completely closed all operations after the incidents. We have stopped working in Meghalaya.”
Echoing him, Regional Director of AMD, Sandeep Hamilton said, “AMD is not involved in uranium mining. Department has taken a conscious view to respect the sentiments of the people and we will go with the state. We will not venture for mining without the sentiments of the people.”
Attempting to put all allegations to rest, he said AMD is not a mining agency and maintained that AMD is an exploration agency which is into the research and development of atomic minerals not only of uranium but other minerals as well.
“AMD and Uranium Corporation of India are two different entities. AMD is a central government organisation whereas UCIL is a public sector undertaking. AMD has got the mandate for search and research for atomic minerals and no mandate for mining,” he added.
Banerjee informed that the purpose of the visit to Wahkaji is to take sub-surface samples and the department has dug small borewells of 20 m-30 m to extract some sludge sample for R &D sample.
Asked on the permission sought, he said the department has intimated every state’s Chief Secretary and if there is a requirement, the office seeks the district administration’s help and support.
Headman’s NOC
In an interesting turn of event, a letter of support to uranium exploration in Mawthabah was written by the Headman of Mawthabah to Regional Director, North Eastern Region (AMD/DAE) which bore the seal of Sordar Shnong of Mawthabah.
The letter stated that the headman of Mawthabah supports uranium exploration in Mawthabah conducted by AMD for exploration and research.
The letter further stated, “We agree to provide land for boreholes to be drilled for/by AMD. We are ready to provide logistic support and co-operation for the uranium exploration conducted by AMD.”
Meanwhile, Kharkongor told reporters, “The officials and scientists informed that they got permission from the headman to carry out the activity.”
He stated that the NOC from the headman is totally illegal as it is not as per the procedure of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Further, he said any research conducted especially for minerals, the AMD should get permission from the KHADC.
He added that the Executive Members will visit Wahkaji-Mawthabah on Thursday to find out the ground reality.
