Meghalaya Govt asks UCIL to keep mining activities in abeyance

Meghalaya government today directed the Uranium Corporation of India Limited to "keep in abeyance" its recent tender notice for expression of interest (EOI) and all pre-uranium mining activities in the state.
The decision was taken at a meeting with over 15 NGOs, which comprise of the anti-uranium mining groups and pro-road project groups, convened by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma here.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Sangma said "Instructions have been given to UCIL that all exercises pertaining to the EOI must be kept in abeyance."
Stating that the state government has been consistent in its approach towards the issue, Sangma said "In view of the collective concern and decision of the people and until and unless the people are convinced on proposed uranium mining, there will be no action for pre-mining activities in the state."

"We will also communicate to the Centre about the need to ensure that UCIL do not resort to any action which may lead to doubts until such time we are to convince ourselves and that the people of the state are taken on board," he said.
According to the Chief Minister, there clarity was needed on the stand of the state government and the people in respect to pre-mining activities by UCIL and other developmental programmes, which include road infrastructures.

Earlier, the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) had also accused the government for leasing land located at Mawthabah, an area in South West Khasi Hills district, rich in uranium deposit, to the UCIL for 30 years.

On this, Sangma said "The 2009 cabinet decision has been kept in abeyance and was never implemented as the stand of the state government is uranium mining can take place only after all stakeholders are taken on board."
"We have laws in place to protect the interest of the people and it is not easy for UCIL to go ahead with uranium mining or pre-mining activities. Land has to be given to UCIL based on laws," he said.
Seven out of eight projects under SARDP-NE earmarked for Meghalaya at a cost of Rs 2,977 crore, are waiting for NOCs from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

These include the 68km two-lane Nongstoin to Mawthabah road, which has witnessed stiff opposition from anti-uranium groups who maintain, it is for facilitating uranium mining.
The chief minister said the state government has decided to seek a clarification from the Centre on the objective of the road.
"The matter will be taken up with the Centre to seek clarification on the objective of the road to insulate people from such apprehension," Sangma added.