SHILLONG/MAWKYRWAT: Amid demands within and outside the MDA for a probe into reports of an explosion at a uranium effluent tank at Nongbah Jynrin in South West Khasi Hills, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has assured that the state government would examine the matter as it was equally concerned about the claims even as he took a jibe at the NGOs for not taking cognizance of the government reports which indicated that there was no leakage or explosion at the site.
Speaking to newsmen here on Monday, the chief minister said that all reports of government agencies indicate that there is no truth in the allegations. He, however, added that the matter is serious and the government will look into it. It will be examined in consultation with Forest department and other agencies, the chief minister informed.
To say that they will not accept the report of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police on the matter, Conrad said, is wrong on the part of the NGOs as they are not experts. “The DC, SP and other government agencies are responsible and they will involve experts in this matter,” he said.
Earlier, United Democratic Party, the principal ally in the ruling alliance, besides other NGOs, had asked the state government to carry out an in-depth scientific research on the allegations of leakage of the uranium effluent tank and the radiation level in the area.
The concerns gained momentum after environmental economist from London School of Economics, Bremley Wanbantei B Lyngdoh, recently claimed that radioactivity in the area was very high.
‘Depute team of scientists’
Meanwhile, joining the chorus, Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) demanded that a team of scientists should be constituted to investigate the reported leakages. The organisation has also apprised Power Minister James Sangma of the issue and its apparent threat to the people of West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills.
Speaking to reporters here, HYC president Robert June Kharjahrin said, “We have demanded of the minister to immediately set up a team of experts to conduct an investigation and find out more about the radiation activity there rather than send police or magistrates”.
Kharjahrin, while alleging that the Uranium Corporation of India (UCIL) is also not reliable, stressed on an independent agency to conduct an inquiry into the matter. “They (independent agency) can go to the area to check the level of radiation and find out how safe it is for the people to live there and the number of years that they could stay, and whether they have to be evacuated,” he said.
Kharjahrin said the state government should also make arrangements for necessary funds to reseal the leakages as the iron is rusted and the cement is damaged, while some areas are also not sealed.
He said that apart from the uranium wastes found in Nongbah Jynrin, there are other places where such wastes were found.
Kharjahrin said that a team of experts who have the necessary equipment can check the radiation levels.
He said that if the state government does not take the matter seriously, the organisation will write to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, or file a complaint with the NGT.
Synjup appeals
The Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri U Hynñiewtrep (SNSBH) will appeal to the chief minister for taking up the compilation of report on uranium leakage very seriously.
General secretary of the Synjuk, RL Blah, said that the Synjuk is concerned over reports of such leakage, while adding that they will approach the government authority soon. Moreover, the Synjuk in opposition to the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2020 will send a letter to the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, state government as well as the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
