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Shillong, Mar 28:The United Democratic Alliance (UDA)-led executive committee in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has assured to cancel the No objection certificate (NOC) issued to the Geological Survey of India (GSI) if there is no clarity in its reply with regards to the mineral exploration activities.

“The EC will summon the GSI authority to seek clarification on the matter and if there is no clarity we will immediately cancel the NOC,” KHADC chief Teinwell Dkhar said while replying to a zero hour notice moved by Nongpoh MDC Balajied Rani during the session held here on Wednesday.

This was following the demand of the opposition Congress members to scrap the NOC issued by the previous EC led by HS Shylla to the GSI.

Rambrai-Jyrngam MDC Bajop Pyngrope and Nongstoin MDC Gabriel Wahlang have expressed apprehension that the purpose of the survey and exploratory works may be for mining of uranium.

According to them, there is need to seek clarification from the GSI authority on the matter.

The KHADC has granted permission to the GSI for carrying out geological mapping, survey, mineral exploration and research activities in parts of the Khasi Hills region on February 15.

“I am directed to inform you that the NOC for carrying out geological mapping, survey, mineral exploration and research activities in parts of the Khasi Hills District on condition that the sentiments, the usual traditional custom, usages and practices prevailing in the area and the local residents should be respected with job opportunities wherever is feasible. Moreover all reports and information so collected should be shared and submitted to the Council,” KHADC secretary to the executive committee said in a letter to the Director of the GSI on February 15.

The KHADC chief however admitted that it was wrong on the part of the ex-CEM HS Shylla to issue the NOC after the elections to the ADCs have already been declared.

On the claims of the GSI that the NOC has no connection with mining of uranium in the region, Dkhar however said to say that only the AMD can extract uranium is misleading because “we understand that exploratory activities also mean to mine minerals.”

Earlier, Executive Member Mitchael Wankhar also assured that the executive committee will not allow the NOC to lead to mining of uranium within the jurisdiction of the Council.