Uranium radiation claim: Govt to look for options if reports of Nehu, IIT contradicts

Uranium radiation claim: Govt to look for options if reports of Nehu, IIT contradicts

Shillong, Nov 5: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma today said that the government will be looking for other options if there are conflicts in the reports of North Eastern Hills University (NEHU) and IIT Guwahati.

Bit may be mentioned that both these institutes were entrusted by the state government with the task to study reports of leakage from a concrete tank, allegedly containing radioactive uranium waste at Nongbah-Jynrin, South West Khasi Hills.

“If we see some kind of conflict in the reports then we can take a decision for (appointing) another party. But it will not be appropriate for me to say one, two or three or four (parties). But as said we would ensure that we take all possible steps to make sure that our people are safe,” Sangma told reporters.

When pointed out that certain groups are opposing the selection of NEHU and IIT Guwahati as agencies to inquire into the alleged leakage of radiation, the Chief Minister said that both the institutes are independent bodies.

The Khasi Students’ Union which is in the forefront in the fight against uranium mining has termed both these bodies as “dependent” agencies.

“What we are looking at is agencies that can quickly implement things. Now in the situation that we are facing, there are a lot of challenges of people travelling and coming in so it is easier for us to move things faster with NEHU and IIT,” he said.

He pointed out that because of the prevailing situation overall the country it is not possible to move freely.

“Therefore we went for what would be quickly available and so decided to go with an independent body which was within Shillong itself, which was NEHU, then we went one step forward we said let’s go with IIT Guwahati,” Sangma pointed out.

The Chief Minister said that his government will do whatever it takes to ensure that the facts are unravelled.

“So NEHU is doing it, let them submit the report and IIT is doing it let them submit the report and then third party will be coming in. The process will continue and we want to double ensure that people are safe,” the Chief Minister iterated.

He also said that NEHU has been given “few weeks” to study while the government has not got the feedback from IIT yet but was sure that they would reply soon.