By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 30: Amidst Centre’s recent Office Memorandum (OM) that exempts public hearings before the extraction of uranium, the Meghalaya government has reiterated its firm opposition to uranium mining in the state.
“We have always maintained that we are not in favour of uranium mining, and we are very clear on our stand,” Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said, reacting to concerns arising from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s (MoEFCC) OM, which exempts public consultations and hearings for mining projects involving atomic minerals such as uranium.
The chief minister pointed out that he has not yet gone through the OM in detail but stressed that such a serious matter requires legal scrutiny. “Based on that, we will seek clarification from the central government. As and when required, I will take up the matter with the Government of India and ensure that the interests of the people are protected,” he said.
Sangma added that it is the state government’s responsibility to raise objections if any notification goes against the people’s interests. He assured that the matter would be taken up with the Union government once the legal scrutiny of the OM is complete.
KHADC voices opposition to OM
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Tuesday also resolved to oppose the MoEFCC’s OM, which seeks to do away with public consultations and hearings under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework for mining projects involving atomic minerals.
Speaking to reporters, newly elected Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh said, “We will deliberate further on this OM once the new Executive Committee is fully constituted.”
The notification has triggered widespread concern among local pressure groups, who view public hearings and consultations as a critical safeguard under the EIA process. The recent OM has been strongly opposed by local pressure groups and community organisations, who have vowed to resist uranium mining in the state “till their last breath.” Meghalaya is home to one of the country’s largest uranium reserves in Domiasiat, Wahkaji, and adjoining areas of West Khasi Hills. However, communities in the state have consistently resisted exploration and extraction of uranium, citing health hazards and environmental concerns.
