Shillong, Sept 29: The state government’s position on uranium mining in Meghalaya is clear and resolute, according to Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who emphasised that no such activities will be permitted in the state.
His statement came following apprehensions expressed by political parties and NGOs that the Centre is attempting to forcefully mine uranium in Meghalaya through an Office Memorandum (OM) issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s (MoEFCC) on September 8, which exempts public consultations and hearings for mining projects involving atomic minerals like uranium, a crucial component of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
They have also demanded the state government to immediately convene a special session of the state Assembly to pass a resolution opposing any move to mine uranium in Meghalaya.
“People should not be alarmed by the office memorandum, as the state government remains resolute in its stance against uranium mining in Meghalaya,” Tynsong said.
“Our land is protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and ownership rests with the autonomous district councils, traditional chiefs, and individuals. Without their consent, the state government cannot grant permission for uranium mining,” he clarified while also referring to the ruling of the Supreme Court in 2019.
“I want to reassure the people that the state government will not permit the implementation of the MoEFCC’s office memorandum,” Tynsong said. “The issue of uranium mining is effectively closed in Meghalaya, given the strong opposition from landowners and district councils. Furthermore, the state government remains committed to upholding this stance and ensuring that uranium mining is not allowed.”
The deputy chief minister also assured that if needed, the state government will write to the Centre to exempt Meghalaya from the MoEFCC’s OM.
“Once the cabinet convenes, we will deliberate on the issue, but I can assure you that the state government’s stance on uranium mining will remain unchanged – we say no to uranium mining,” Tynsong concluded.
