Shillong, Aug 1: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) will summon the headman of Mawthabah village for giving permission to the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) to conduct exploratory drilling of uranium in the area under South West Khasi Hills District.
The decision was taken after the KHADC executive member (EM) in-charge Mines & Minerals Latiplang Kharnogor summoned the AMD officials on Wednesday.
A seven-member delegation of the AMD was led by its regional director Sandeep Hamilton and deputy regional director Dr Rahul Banerjee.
Recently, three officials of the AMD were injured when they were attacked by miscreants near Wahkaji on July 25.
“We have decided to immediately summon the headman of Mawthabah village after it was found out that he had granted permission to the AMD officials to carry out drilling activities in the area,†Kharkongor told reporters after the meeting.
He said that AMD officials had informed that they had carried out the drilling activities based on the permission granted by the headman of the village.
A letter submitted to the AMD/DAE regional director by the headman of the Mawthabah on April 4 this year, has extended support for the exploration of uranium in the area by the AMD.
“We agree to provide land for boreholes to be drilled for/by AMD. We are also ready to provide logistic support and cooperation for the uranium exploration,†the letter said.
The EM said that the headman of Mawthabah had granted such permission without the knowledge of the Hima and the KHADC.
Kharkongor warned that the Council would take action against such headmen by cancelling the sanad (appointment letter).
The KHADC would also issue strict warning to the AMD not to carry out any exploratory drilling of uranium without getting permission from the Council.
A delegation of the KHDA-led executive committee will visit Mawthabah on Thursday to conduct spot inquiry.
On the claims of the AMD that it is only for research work, the EM however said that the AMD cannot denied that it is the department responsible for inviting tender for uranium drilling and mining activities.
