Shillong, Aug 14: In order to allay concerns of local communities, the state government on Thursday approved a draft resolution against uranium mining in Meghalaya. It will be tabled in the next assembly session from August 24.
Announcing the cabinet decision, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the proposed resolution is going to provide the state’s position on uranium mining a formal platform in the assembly.
The government move comes after long-standing concerns over possible uranium mining in parts of Meghalaya, particularly in South West Khasi Hills.
Uranium deposits have been identified in some areas, including Domiasiat, Wahkaji and Mawthabah in the district.
Meghalaya is estimated to hold around 16% of India’s uranium reserves, making the issue particularly significant for both resource development and the state’s environmental and community concerns.
As opposition to uranium mining has continued for long, the proposed Assembly resolution now brings the issue into the state’s legislative process, with the government seeking to formally articulate Meghalaya’s position on uranium mining.
The move is also significant in the context of Meghalaya’s distinctive land and governance system, where community ownership and customary institutions play an important role in decisions concerning land and natural resources.
