Rs 800cr Plan For Uranium Mining In Ne

The corporation, an agency of the atomic energy commission (AEC), is keen to develop this controversial uranium project as the country's nuclear programme has been hard hit due to limited reserves and poor grade uranium ore. India requires an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 mw of power for its nuclear power programmes. The present nuclear power generation is a mere 2,000 mw from 10 nuclear reactors located across the country. Although uranium was traced in Meghalaya six years ago, the state government could not sanction the project as it required Khasi Hills Autonomo-us District Council's approval.

The state government faced problems in acquiring the land as hesitant tribals feared they won't be properly compensated.

District council chief executive member R R Makdoh told reporters the land compensation for the project would be Rs 8 crore. The district council has sought a commitment from the corporation to consider local applicants for 80 per cent of unskilled jobs and 44 per cent of skilled and semi-skilled jobs to prevent influx of outsiders.

Local youth will be provided training in technical and non-technical trades so that they could be employed at the mining project.