By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 28: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has clarified that it does not have the mandate to undertake exploration for uranium, thorium, or any other radioactive elements, countering recent claims by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) – South West Khasi Hills District (SWKHD) unit regarding its ongoing fieldwork in parts of Meghalaya.
The clarification comes after the KSU-SWKHD alleged that the GSI, with the approval of the Ministry of Mines, was planning to conduct geo-scientific investigations across several villages around Mawkyrwat.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the GSI said that although it functions under the Ministry of Mines (MoM), it is not a mining agency and does not carry out any mining activities.
“The GSI has no mandate to undertake exploration for uranium, thorium, or other associated radioactive elements,” the agency stated.
The GSI North Eastern Region (NER), Shillong, is currently executing 15 projects in Meghalaya for the 2025–26 field season. Of these, four projects are located in South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and East Khasi Hills districts.
“All these projects are focused on the investigation of rare earth elements (REE) and associated minerals aimed at enhancing India’s self-reliance and reducing dependency on imports,” the statement said. “Only one investigation on REE and associated minerals is being carried out around Mawkyrwat.”
It added that another investigation is under way in Chokpot, South Garo Hills District, to conduct a preliminary assessment of limestone resources and quality. The GSI explained that all its projects are approved by the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB), Ministry of Mines — a body that includes both national and state-level agencies engaged in geo-scientific investigations.
Before undertaking any fieldwork, the GSI said it informs the state government, district administration, and local village authorities.
“We undertake mineral investigations with a focus on promoting clean energy resources and ensuring a sustainable environment, in line with the national goal of reducing carbon footprint,” the statement added.
The agency reiterated that its work involves geo-scientific mapping and preliminary mineral investigations to identify areas of potential economic interest — not to initiate mining operations.
Earlier, the KSU-SWKHD president Forwardman Nongrem, had demanded that the geo-scientific investigation in Mawkyrwat and adjoining villages be immediately halted until there is full clarity on its purpose.
Nongrem had said the Union suspects that the GSI’s work could be a precursor to a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) — a step often required before uranium mining. He pointed out that the GSI had previously conducted uranium-related surveys in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh).
According to the Union, the GSI’s proposed activities include geological mapping, sample collection, pitting and trenching, with drilling up to 10 meters or more across several villages — including Mawkyrwat, Nonglang, Mawten, Mawlangwir, Wahsiej, Mawkyllung, Marshillong, Nongbah Marshillong, Mawtle, Sakwang, Pyndensakwang, Jakrem, Nongmawlein, and Pawphlang.
