Shillong, Aug 13: The Meghalaya cabinet today approved a draft resolution opposing any form of uranium mining or related activity in the state, which the government plans to move during the upcoming autumn session of the Assembly.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the resolution, cleared during Thursday’s cabinet meeting, will formally place the state government’s opposition to uranium mining before the Centre.
“We have appealed to the government of India that any form of mining or any kind of activity in relation to uranium should not be done in the state of Meghalaya,” Sangma said while briefing the media.
The Autumn session of the Assembly is scheduled to begin on August 24, according to the CM.
The decision comes amid renewed concerns over uranium exploration and mining in Meghalaya, particularly in areas of South West Khasi Hills, where uranium deposits have been identified in the Domiasiat–Mawthabah region.
Asked about demands for the government to consider removing the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) office from Shillong, Sangma did not commit to any specific action but said the government would take all possible steps to ensure that uranium-related activities do not take place in the state.
The AMD, under the central government’s Department of Atomic Energy, is responsible for exploration and assessment of atomic minerals, including uranium, across the country. Its presence in Meghalaya has been a point of concern among sections of civil society and groups opposed to uranium mining.
The state government has maintained its opposition to uranium mining on environmental and social grounds. The proposed Assembly resolution is expected to provide a formal political reaffirmation of Meghalaya’s position and urge the Centre to refrain from pursuing uranium mining-related activities in the state.
