SHILLONG, OCT 3: The United Democratic Party (UDP) will soon write to the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change expressing its stiff opposition to the ministry’s recent office memorandum.
Speaking to reporters, UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne said his party is against the office memorandum issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change because it undermines the rights of the people to express their opinions through public hearings, particularly regarding uranium mining.
“Therefore, we will immediately submit a letter to the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on this matter,” he added.
Chyne stated that the memorandum’s provisions would have devastating consequences for the health and environment of the people in surrounding areas, making it impossible for them to cultivate or reside there.
The UDP has urged the state government to oppose the office memorandum and has also called upon the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to utilize its powers to ensure that no mining is allowed without obtaining permission from the district council.