SHILLONG, JULY 30: The state government has directed the district administration of South West Khasi Hills District to seek clarification from the Atomic Minerals Division (AMD) on the alleged exploratory drilling of uranium in the areas under the district.
“Instruction has already been issued to the district deputy commissioner to seek clarification from the AMD and Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) on the matter,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters here on Monday.
Stating that the government is not aware about the exploratory drilling of uranium, he said, “They were supposed to get the NOC from the district administration and autonomous district council because it seems they claimed to have got the consent of the land owners.”
This came after three officials of the AMD were injured when they were attacked by miscreants near Wahkaji on July 25.The miscreants also set on fire one Bolero while damaging another jeep which was used by the AMD officials.
However in 2016, the then Congress led state government had revoked the August 24, 2009 – cabinet decision which agreed to lease a land measuring 422 hectares in South West Khasi Hills to the UCIL for pre-mining activities.
Admitting that steps have been taken to stop all uranium related activities in South West Khasi Hills District, the deputy chief minister said that the present state government is also maintaining a clear stand which is ‘no’ to uranium mining.
“The mind of the government is clear which is no to uranium mining till such time the people accept the proposed uranium project and are convinced there are no dangers from mining of uranium,” he stated.
Asked, Tynsong said, “There has been no communication from the Centre on the matter and moreover there is need to carry along all the stakeholders.”
On the allegation that the AMD is using the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department for carrying out the exploratory works, the deputy chief minister however said, “I am not aware but if they have come under a different name it is not acceptable.”
By Our Reporter
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