Meghalaya Assembly to move resolution against uranium mining
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that his government will introduce a resolution in the state assembly to oppose uranium mining. This move follows public pressure and concerns regarding the environmental and health risks associated with radioactive extraction.
Why it matters
The decision reflects the tension between national energy development goals and local environmental and community protection concerns.
Under pressure from local groups, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said his government would move a resolution in the 60-member Assembly to block uranium mining in the State.
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and other groups launched an anti-uranium mining movement after Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Atomic Energy, recently said the Centre was examining the status of uranium mining in Meghalaya. He also said the Centre would first need to frame rules under the proposed Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act.
The KSU and other pressure groups interpreted Mr. Singh’s view as “a clear sign” that the Centre was planning to revive the “hazardous” uranium exploration and mining project in the State’s South West Khasi Hills district. The uranium-rich areas, including Domiasiat, border Bangladesh.
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