Shillong, Jul 6: There is no change to the state government’s stance against uranium mining in Meghalaya, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said today as fears have recently risen once again that extraction of the radioactive material is again on the agenda.
Speaking to reporters, Dhar said the Meghalaya government has consistently maintained that uranium extraction will not be permitted in the state. “We are with the people of Meghalaya and that position has not changed,” he added.
His statement follows allegations by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) that one or more ex-legislators had tried to or had purchased land in the uranium-rich Domiasiat, South West Khasi Hills. As that area has few other draws, the pressure group was convinced that the would-be buyers were interested in the uranium.
Responding to the allegations, Dhar said he was unaware of the matter but reiterated that no decision on uranium mining could be taken without the support of the people of the state.
However, he assured that the government would not ignore the allegations and would verify the facts before drawing any conclusions.
Rejecting claims that villages opposing uranium mining were being denied development, the Deputy CM said government schemes and infrastructure projects are implemented without linking them to the uranium issue.
“There is no question of withholding development because of people’s views on uranium mining. The government’s responsibility is to ensure development reaches every part of the state and that is exactly what we are doing,” he said.
On complaints regarding poor road infrastructure and limited healthcare facilities in the region, Dhar said the government is gradually improving connectivity across Meghalaya, although it may not be possible to fulfil every demand immediately.
