Shillong, Sep 25: Tura MP Saleng Sangma has raised concerns over the recent decision of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to exempt public consultations and hearings for mining projects involving atomic minerals such as uranium.
The move has triggered apprehension in Meghalaya, where uranium mining has long been opposed due to its potential health and environmental impact.
Reacting to the decision, Sangma warned that it could undermine the constitutional protections of Sixth Schedule areas if local voices are ignored. “If the government is trying to bulldoze the Sixth Schedule areas without public consultations or meetings, it is very dangerous. Our land customs and landholding systems are completely different. Just because they are in power does not mean they can bulldoze in any form or way,” the opposition MP said.
On the sensitive issue of uranium, Sangma highlighted the health risks faced by local communities. He claimed that people living near uranium-rich zones in Meghalaya have long complained of radiation-related health problems. “Whenever there is a child born or whenever a pregnant woman suffers a miscarriage, there are many complaints from that area,” he said, pointing to earlier reports of radiation leaks.
The MP alleged that despite repeated concerns raised by locals and NGOs, both the Centre and the Meghalaya government have remained silent. “I don’t think the Union government is being fair and the state government is not responding at all. Maybe there are issues between the two governments, otherwise by now Meghalaya should have spoken out,” Sangma added.
Recalling past incidents, he said NGOs had detected radiation in rivers, streets and even in the atmosphere following a leakage. “It is a very dangerous trend they are trying to create right now. The government of Meghalaya and the people should oppose this. The state government must raise its voice on this issue,” Sangma asserted.
