Shillong, August 26: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday assured the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly that a Government Resolution opposing uranium mining in the State would formally convey the House’s firm and unequivocal position to the Centre.
Replying to concerns raised by VPP president and Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, Sangma said the resolution was intended to place on record the collective opposition of the people and the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly to uranium mining in the State.
He said the resolution would communicate the Assembly’s position to the Government of India, the Department of Atomic Energy and the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), urging them not to permit, pursue or undertake uranium-mining activities anywhere in Meghalaya, including the proposed Kylleng, Pyndengsohiong and Mawthabah Uranium Mining Project.
Sangma maintained that the issue went beyond mineral extraction and involved the customary rights of indigenous communities over land and minerals, public health, environmental protection and the security of future generations.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s July 3, 2019 judgment, the Chief Minister said private and community landowners in Meghalaya possess both surface and subsoil rights. He stressed that any proposal involving uranium deposits must respect the State’s distinctive landownership system and the constitutional protections provided under the Sixth Schedule.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the environmental vulnerability of uranium-bearing areas in West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills, pointing out that the regions receive exceptionally heavy rainfall, have steep terrain and are prone to landslides.
He said the areas also serve as catchments for streams and rivers on which local communities depend for drinking water, agriculture, fisheries and livelihoods.
According to the resolution, the safe containment of mining waste, mill tailings and industrial effluents in such challenging geographical conditions has not been demonstrated to the satisfaction of affected communities.
Sangma further said that people across Meghalaya, through traditional institutions, Autonomous District Councils, civil-society and student organisations and elected representatives, had consistently opposed uranium mining.
He pointed out that the free, prior and informed consent of affected communities had never been obtained and that no uranium-mining lease had been granted in the State.
Responding to concerns over the Centre’s position, Sangma referred to a statement by the Union Minister of State in charge of the Department of Atomic Energy that no decision had yet been taken on uranium mining in Meghalaya and that the matter remained under examination.
The Chief Minister said the Assembly resolution was therefore important to ensure that Meghalaya’s position was formally, clearly and collectively communicated to the Centre before any decision was taken.
The House ultimately resolved to oppose uranium mining as well as the establishment of any uranium-ore processing facility in Meghalaya. It also urged the Centre, the Department of Atomic Energy and UCIL to close all activities associated with uranium mining anywhere in the State.
