Pass resolution to stop uranium mining proposals in Meghalaya: HYC urges CM
Shillong: The HynniewtrepYouth Council (HYC) has urged Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to pass a resolution in the assembly to stop all uranium mining proposals in the state.
The HYC’s demand to pass a resolution against uranium mining in Meghalaya came after Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha that the Center has yet to approve uranium mining in the Dumiaset-Mawthabah area in Meghalaya’s southwestern Khasi Hills district. The idea of mining has not been abandoned.
In a memorandum sent to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, HYC President Robert John Kharjaharin and General Secretary Roy Cooper Sanrem said, “…according to Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh’s statement in an unstarred question in Parliament. It is clear that the Govt. The state is still engaged in uranium mining.
The state accounts for 16% of India’s uranium reserves, with reserves estimated at 9,500 tonnes and 4,000 tonnes in Domiacite and Vakhji, respectively.
Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) has proposed to set up an open cast uranium mining and processing plant at Mothaba in Meghalaya.
The previous Congress-led Meghalaya government had revoked the decision to lease 422 hectares of land to UCIL for pre-mining activities in South West Khasi Hill district during the previous DD Lapang government.
