MAWKYRWAT: After the brouhaha which erupted over alleged leakage in uranium effluent tanks in Nongbah Jynrin, South West Khasi Hills, the Assembly Committee on Environment, on Tuesday, conducted a study tour to Wahkaji and Nongbah Jynrin to ascertain the possible impact of radiation in the area.
Speaking at a meeting in Wahkaji village, Chairman of the Committee, SK Sunn said the objective of the meeting is to get firsthand information from the people and NGOs about the radiation in Nongbah Jynrin.
“We are concerned about the reports which have indicated that the level of radiation is high. Besides, it is our duty to hear the opinion of the stakeholders on the matter,” Sunn said.
To this, Syiem of Hima Langrin, Paiem Nangtei Sing Syiemiong, made the revelation that the uranium wastes in Nongbah Jynrin began leaking 4-5 years ago but it came to light only recently.
Speaking about the impact of radiation on the people and environment, the Syiem of Hima Langrin informed the Committee that many people from the area have died of cancer and other diseases besides many children were also found suffering from different types of diseases.
“However, I cannot say whether this is due to the radiation or not as I am not an expert. I shared what I have seen, and this has created fear psychosis among our people,” Syiemiong said.
Syiemiong recalled that during the public hearing on uranium mining in 2007, the officers from Shillong and the then West Khasi Hills district administration tried to persuade the people that there would be no impact on their health as well as the environment. “But at that time, the people did not even use the water from Nongbah Jynrin for washing their hands and face let alone for drinking…. they brought water all the way from Nongstoin and Shillong. What about us; we live here? Notwithstanding if it will affect us or not, we have to live here all our life. Therefore, we should think about what is better for us”, he said.
On the other hand, West Khasi Hills unit of KSU reiterated their demand that the government should initiate an independent agency to probe into the impact of uranium in the area. )”We don’t trust the government-sponsored universities like NEHU as they will hide the facts,” it added.
Various NGOs of the area informed that they had visited the area and seen cracks in the uranium effluent tank. Representatives from the different villages from the area said that they are witness to many people suffering from different kind of deadly diseases despite few claims that there has been no impact.
Meanwhile, the NGOs and village representatives urged the government not to block developmental activities from taking place in the area because of the uranium issue, especially the construction of Lad Jynrai-Phlangdiloin-Ranikor road.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting with the different stakeholders, Committee chairman, Sunn informed that a team including Atomic Minerals Division (AMD) officials was sent to Nongbah Jynrin along with cameras and drone to take pictures of the cracks in the tanks and also identify if there is any amount of radiation in the area. If not satisfied with the team’s report, the Committee members will relook at the situation.
On reports related to diseases, Sunn said that the District Medical & Health Officer of Mawkyrwat along the Health department representatives have heard about the matter and it would be looked into further.
Asked there was any plan to urge upon the Health department to conduct a survey on the health status of the people in the area, Sunn said that the Committee has heard the concerns of all and it will discuss the matter and take actions accordingly.