By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 22: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Wednesday unanimously adopted an official resolution strongly opposing any move to mine uranium within its jurisdiction.
The resolution, moved by the Executive Committee (EC) on the opening day of the Council’s winter session, was in response to the Office Memorandum (OM) issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on September 8.
The OM states that public hearings will no longer be required if the Government of India intends to mine atomic minerals, including uranium, in areas falling under the KHADC’s jurisdiction.
Supporting the resolution, Opposition Leader Titosstarwell Chyne welcomed the EC’s stand but urged the Council to go a step further by demanding a complete withdrawal or suspension of the OM across Meghalaya, not just within KHADC’s territory.
Chyne reminded the House that the uranium issue has been a longstanding concern and that the Centre has, from time to time, made efforts to carry out uranium mining in areas under the Council. He stressed that public consultation is essential to understand community concerns and ensure that development projects align with people’s rights and interests.
“The OM issued by the Ministry has exempted public consultation for mining critical and atomic minerals. This is a clear indication that the Centre can carry out uranium mining in the State,” Chyne warned, pointing out that several pressure groups and stakeholders have already expressed opposition to the memo.
Taking part in the discussion, Nongshken MDC Grace Mary Kharpuri (NPP) suggested that the three Autonomous District Councils — KHADC, JHADC, and GHADC — should pass a joint resolution for greater impact seeking exemption from the OM.
Moving the resolution, Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh said the Council must urgently press the Ministry to exclude KHADC areas from the purview of the new directive, stressing that the EC recognises the seriousness of the issue.
While appreciating inputs from opposition MDCs, Lyngdoh clarified that the Council can only seek exemption for areas under its jurisdiction and not for the entire state.
Laban MDC Ricky Shullai also backed the resolution and reiterated the Council’s firm stand against uranium mining anywhere in the state.
