SHILLONG: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has said that the NOC issued by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) is for geological survey, mapping, exploration and research work and not for uranium mining.
In a statement issued here, the Additional Director General & Head of Department, Mulkh Raj Jarngal, said the GSI, North Eastern Region, is not involved in search of uranium or its mining in Meghalaya.
He clarified that in Rambrai area, a team of geologists is searching for non-harmful bauxite resources, which is the ore mineral of aluminum only.
Jarngal pointed out that the exploration of atomic minerals is not a mandate for GSI and that they have suspended all activities in response to the concerns of KHADC since November 2018, for four months.
GSI resumed geological mapping and mineral exploration activities in the Khasi Hills in March after obtaining NOC from KHADC, he informed.
After a number of proceedings and many discussions and explanations from GSI since September 2018, the KHADC finally issued NOC on February 15 for carrying out geological mapping, survey, mineral exploration and research activities on condition that the sentiments, the usual traditional customs, usages and practices prevailing in the areas of the local residents should be respected with job opportunities wherever feasible.
With regard to the activities of GSI, Jarngal said it takes up mapping on various scales, mineral investigations, geo-scientific research programme and also has been actively involved in addressing various geo-societal issues such as landslide studies, earthquake studies, geo-heritage site identification and its preservation, site selection for civil engineering structures like dams, power houses (surface / sub-surface), tunnels, road alignments, widening of roads on hilly slopes which, are more vulnerable due to toe cutting and others in this geologically fragile region.
“With this NOC from the KHADC it will not only create a better and conducive working environment, but also foster cooperation between GSI and the local people,” he said.