SHILLONG, July 13: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Department of Atomic Energy, Jitendra Singh, on Monday avoided giving a clear indication on the Centre’s present stand regarding the proposed uranium project in Meghalaya, saying only that the matter was still under consideration.
“We are working on it,” Singh said when asked about the issue.
He added that the Centre had enacted the SHANTI Act 2025 and was moving towards opening the sector to private players as well. SHANTI expands to Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India.
“We will come up with rules and then decide,” the minister said.
He, however, did not respond to a question on whether the Centre intended to revive uranium mining in Meghalaya.
There is a renewed public debate over uranium deposits in Meghalaya, particularly in Domiasiat and its adjoining areas in South West Khasi Hills district, where reports of visits by officials and private buyers have fuelled speculation about Centre’s plan to revive the uranium mining project.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday again ruled out uranium mining in Meghalaya, stating that the state government’s stand remained unchanged.
Replying to queries from reporters, he said the government had consistently maintained its opposition to any proposal for uranium extraction in the state.
“I have stated this clearly time and again. Our government has made its position very clear that we are against uranium mining in our state,” the Chief Minister said.
His remarks assume significance amid concerns over reports that officials and private buyers are visiting the state’s uranium-rich areas, including Domiasiat and parts of West Khasi Hills district, to acquire land and persuade local residents to part with their holdings.
The issue triggered fresh apprehension among local communities and pressure groups, which suspected that efforts were underway to revive the controversial mining project.
The Khasi Students’ Union recently alleged that vested interests, including some former legislators, were quietly purchasing land in the uranium-bearing areas at throwaway prices with the intention of facilitating future mining activities.
The organisation warned against any attempt to push the project without the consent of the indigenous people.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar reaffirmed that the state government would not permit uranium mining, stating that no project affecting the people of the state would be allowed to proceed without the approval and consensus of local communities.
