SHILLONG: A national executive member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Shillong, has reached out to the Minister of State for Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh, advocating for the recommencement of uranium mining in the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.
In a letter addressed to Dr Singh, Elizabeth Nongbri, who also heads the North East Sunshine Trust (NEST), a registered non-governmental organisation in Shillong, highlighted their “grassroots connections and expertise” to facilitate a successful venture.
“We have the necessary wherewithal in terms of engagement with local people; ability to convince them of the vast benefit accruing to the region; and the prospects of a vastly improved lifestyle in case of relocation,” the letter asserted.
Highlighting the substantial commercial value of the uranium deposits in the state, Nongbri underscored the missed opportunities due to previous setbacks, citing vested interests obstructing progress.
“Government of India surveys indicated vast deposits of uranium in West Khasi Hills. Exploratory efforts to mine this extremely valuable and precious resource 17 years ago couldn’t progress due to vested interests stonewalling the efforts by building up adverse public opinion against the venture,” Nongbri elaborated.
Drawing comparisons with other states such as Jharkhand, which have capitalised on smaller uranium reserves, Nongbri urged Meghalaya to follow suit and harness the potential benefits of uranium mining.
“While other states like Jharkhand have been able to benefit from the much smaller deposits in their area, Meghalaya is sitting on such enormous quantity of natural resources and is unable to benefit from it,” the letter lamented.
Uranium mining has long been a contentious issue in Meghalaya, with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) staunchly opposing it by withholding any no objection certificates (NoCs).
The Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) had previously secured land leases for pre-mining activities in the South West Khasi Hill district, proposing an open-cast uranium mining and processing project.
However, persistent concerns over radiation impacts on health and the environment have stalled the project since 1992.
Despite efforts to address safety concerns, including the proposal of safety measures by UCIL and exploratory drilling by the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), opposition from anti-mining groups and political leaders has remained steadfast.
The renewed push from BJP member Nongbri seeks to reignite discussions on uranium mining in Meghalaya, sparking debates ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
