From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, Oct 22: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) with the approval of the Government of India through the Ministry of Mines is planning to conduct geo-scientific investigation in different villages around Mawkyrwat.
The proposed investigation has drawn the ire of the Khasi Student’s Union (KSU) South West Khasi Hills unit which met the Deputy Commissioner, Barnari Mawlong, on Wednesday.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, president of KSU South West Khasi Hills unit, Forwardman Nongrem said the Union demanded that the geo-scientific investigation be immediately stopped until there is clarity on the purpose of the activity because there is a suspicion that the GSI is planning to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, a pre-mining activity to formally comply with the national guidelines under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 as well as the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Nuclear Association before starting uranium mining.
“We have doubts because in the past the GSI has conducted field surveys to explore uranium in other states such as Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh,” Nongrem said.
He also said that according to documents received by the Union, the GSI is planning to conduct geological mapping, sample collection and pitting & trenching which includes drilling up to 10 meters or more in Mawkyrwat, Nonglang, Mawten, Mawlangwir, Wahsiej, Mawkyllung, Marshillong, Nongbah Marshillong, Mawtle, Sakwang, Pyndensakwang, Jakrem, Nongmawlein and Pawphlang.
The Union criticised the GSI for coming to Mawkyrwat without providing detailed information or explanations to the public about their motive, without consultation with the villages or the public before proceeding with their field survey, lack of transparency information on the mineral resources they sampled from the villages, no explanation on the survey and without the knowledge or approval of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
Nongrem informed that the DC has promised to hold a meeting with the GSI, Rangbah Shnongs, civil society organisations as well as pressure groups in which the GSI officials will explain the propose of their activities.
Nongrem made it clear that the KSU will not allow any investigation by the GSI if it smells any activity linked to uranium mining.
