Shillong: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday reaffirmed that his government does not support uranium mining in Meghalaya, stressing that the state’s interests and the concerns of its people will remain a priority.
Sangma’s remarks came amid apprehensions over a recent notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which proposes to exempt mining projects involving atomic minerals, including uranium, from the requirement of public consultations and hearings.
“Based on this notification, we will seek clarification from the central government. If necessary, I will raise the matter at various levels to ensure that the rights and concerns of our people are protected,” the chief minister said.
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Uranium mining has long been opposed by tribal organisations in Meghalaya, who have raised serious objections over health hazards, environmental degradation, and threats to community land rights.
“As a government, our stand has always been very clear—we are not in favour of uranium mining. We have said this openly before, and I am reiterating it again today,” Sangma asserted.
