SHILLONG, AUG 31: The state government on Wednesday failed to convince the anti-uranium groups to pave way for construction of the two-lane road projects in South West Khasi Hills region of the state. The meeting convened by the chief minister with anti-uranium groups and pro-road groups was “inconclusive” after the ngos opposing the road construction continue to stick to their stand on the issue.
Leaders of the anti-uranium groups – KSU, NESO, HYC, LYWA and JACSO- maintained that the proposed for two-lane road project from Nongstoin-Wahkaji to Mawthabah is for facilitating uranium mining in the region.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, chief minister Mukul Sangma said that another meeting will be convened again on the issue.
“We have reiterated our stand that such contentious issue relating to uranium mining and pre-mining activities will be taken up only after the people of the state are taken on board,” Sangma said.
When asked, the chief minister said that the stand of the state government is also to have a healthy engagement with both the groups and take decision in the best interest of the people of the state.
On the other hand, the leaders of the anti-uranium groups while speaking to reporters after the meeting said the state government had attempted to clarify on the steps taken towards clearing the apprehension on the road projects.
“The state government had tried to convince us that two-lane road projects are in no way linked to uranium mining but we on our part are trying to make the government understand that the projects are closely link to uranium mining,” NESO chairman Samuel Jyrwa said.
Earlier, the KHADC had decided not to grant NOC for construction of the two-lane road project. It had also decided to spend Rs 20 crore for repairing and improving the existing single-lane roads.
“We have suggested that the two constitutional bodies – state government and KHADC- should work together in repairing the existing single-lane road (Mawthabah),” Jyrwa said.
Echoing similar views, KSU general secretary Auguster Jyrwa said that the union will continue to oppose any attempts to mine uranium.
“Even if the centre try to modify the notification for construction of these roads, we will continue to oppose the construction because the objective will be the same to facilitate uranium mining in the area,” he said.
JACSO leader said that it is time the state government consider using the same yardstick with Uranium mining as it had proposed to the centre for invoking para 12 A (b) to exempt Meghalaya’s coal mining from the provisions of the central laws.-By Our Reporter
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