Concerns raised over suspected uranium mining
From Our Correspondent
CHOKPOT, Oct 19: In what is sure to set tongues wagging, various pressure groups from Chokpot in South Garo Hills have raised strong objection to the scientific mining of coal from the Paromgre area while also hinting at illegal extraction of uranium in the same area.
The objecting groups including the Garo Students’ Union (GSU), A•chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), Chokpot Area Vigilance Committee (CAVC), Garo State Movement Committee (GSMC), A•chik Conscious Holistic Integrated Krima (ACHIK), the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) and the A•chik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO), accompanied by locals, paid a visit to the coal mining site on Friday.
“Our joint inspection of the mining site showed it was in close proximity to ecologically sensitive areas. After careful observation, we were deeply alarmed by the level of destruction already caused to the environment and the potential for far greater harm if quarrying continues unchecked,” stated the groups following the visit.
They stated that the mining area lies near several important rivers such as Rompa, Rongdik, Khakiza and Rongma all of which are vital lifelines for the people of Chokpot and neighbouring villages.
“These rivers provide water for drinking, irrigation and daily use for hundreds of families. Continuous mining in the region has already caused visible pollution, silting and the drying up of small tributaries. If not stopped immediately, the natural flow and purity of these rivers will be permanently damaged, endangering both the ecosystem and the lives that depend on them,” they added.
In addition, the mining site, they said, is situated close to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, one of the state’s most important and protected ecological zones.
“The forests in this area are rich with dense vegetation, old and large trees and are home to a variety of endangered wildlife species found nowhere else in the world. Uncontrolled mining will lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and the destruction of natural habitats. Wildlife species such as the Hoolock Gibbon, Himalayan Black Bear and several rare bird species are likely to lose their homes, forcing them to migrate or perish,” GSU general secretary Spensar Marak said.
They felt mining would have a seriously adverse impact on tourism and local livelihoods.
“Sites such as Abong Chigat, Redingsni, Wari Chora and Tengte Rongrep are beautiful natural spots that attract visitors from across Meghalaya and beyond. These locations hold great potential to promote sustainable tourism that benefits local communities. However, the expansion of mining activities will destroy the natural beauty of these areas, discourage tourism and deprive the region of long-term economic opportunities that could otherwise empower the local youth,” Spensar said.
“Many citizens rely directly or indirectly on the forests and rivers for their livelihoods from fishing and farming to small-scale tourism and cottage industries. The destruction of these ecosystems will not only harm nature but also affect human lives, local income, and the cultural identity of the Garo people, who have always lived in close harmony with the environment,” he felt.
Interestingly, the groups raised concerns over the possible exploration of uranium mining in the area after statements by several leaders raising concerns of its possibility.
“We suspect that the ongoing excavation might not be limited to coal only. Based on various public statements, including those by Tura MP Saleng A. Sangma and BJP MDC Bernard N. Marak, there are indications that uranium exploration and mining might be planned for certain parts of the Garo Hills. If such activities are being carried out or disguised under coal mining operations, it will pose a severe health hazard not only to local communities but to the entire Garo Hills region,” they speculated.
They urged the state government to come clean on the matter and provide a clarification on the type of activities being conducted. Radiation risks from uranium mining were extremely dangerous and could contaminate the soil, rivers and air for generations to come, they stated.
They appealed to the Forest Department, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and other departments to take immediate and strict action to stop the quarrying activities and revoke any illegal licenses that may have been issued.
“If the authorities fail to act promptly, we will be compelled to take further steps, including peaceful demonstrations, legal petitions, and public awareness campaigns, to safeguard our land, rivers, forests, and people. We firmly believe that development must not come at the cost of destroying nature, and that the government should prioritize sustainable and community-driven growth that benefits both the people and the planet,” they cautioned.
