Guwahati: A national executive member of the BJP from Shillong in Meghalaya, Elizabeth Nongbri, sought the intervention of Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy, Dr. Jitendra Singh to revive mining of Uranium in the West Khasi Hills.
In a letter addressed to Dr. Singh, Nongbri, who also heads the North East Sunshine Trust (NEST), a registered non-governmental organization in Shillong, emphasized their grassroots connections and expertise.
She underscored their capability to effectively facilitate the venture by engaging with local communities and convincing them of the significant benefits that could accrue to the region.
Highlighting the substantial commercial value of Uranium deposits in Meghalaya, Nongbri lamented the missed opportunities due to previous setbacks caused by vested interests obstructing progress.
She referred to Government of India surveys indicating substantial uranium deposits in the West Khasi Hills district and stressed the need to overcome obstacles hindering exploration efforts.
Drawing parallels with states like Jharkhand, which have capitalized on smaller uranium reserves, Nongbri urged Meghalaya to follow suit and tap into the potential benefits of uranium mining.
Uranium mining has long been a contentious issue in Meghalaya, with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) vehemently opposing it by withholding necessary no-objection certificates (NoCs).
Previous attempts by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) to initiate open-cast uranium mining in the South West Khasi Hill district were met with opposition due to concerns over radiation impacts on health and the environment.
Efforts to address safety concerns, including proposals for safety measures by UCIL and exploratory drilling by the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), have been met with continued resistance from anti-mining groups and political leaders.
Nongbri’s appeal has reignited the debate surrounding uranium mining in Meghalaya, highlighting the delicate balance between economic development and environmental sustainability in the region. The response from stakeholders and government authorities is awaited as the discourse on this contentious issue continues to evolve.
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