SHILLONG, AUG 26: Sending a strong and united message, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Wednesday unanimously resolved to oppose uranium mining and processing anywhere in the state.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma tabled the resolution, which was backed by all 60 members of the ruling and opposition benches.
The resolution underlines three core grounds for opposition: First, the legal and customary protection to land in Meghalaya. Tribal areas are under Sixth Schedule, land is held under community and customary tenure regulated by Autonomous District Councils, and the Supreme Court in its July 3, 2019 order in State of Meghalaya Vs All Dimasa Students Union has held that tribals own both surface and sub-soil rights, including minerals.
Second, the ecological risk. Uranium deposits at Domiasiat, Wahkyn and Lostoin fall in a high-rainfall, steep and landslide-prone catchment that feeds drinking water sources, farms and fisheries.
The resolution notes that safe containment of overburden, tailings and effluents in such conditions has not been demonstrated to affected communities.
Third, the people’s consistent opposition. No free, prior and informed consent has been obtained and no uranium lease has ever been granted in the state.
The House also took note of the Centre’s September 8, 2025 memorandum exempting atomic minerals from public consultation under EIA norms, even as the Union MoS for Atomic Energy recently said in Shillong that no decision on Meghalaya uranium mining has been taken.
The House resolved to record the opposition of the people of Meghalaya to uranium mining and processing, and urge the Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy and UCIL to not permit the Kylleng-Pyndengsohiong-Mawthabah (KPM) project and to close any uranium-related activity in the state.
Moving the resolution, Sangma said, “We have seen impacts of uranium mining elsewhere in the country where health of people around mining areas has been affected. There was no clarity on the stand of the government, the House and the people, so we felt a resolution must be brought to send a message in one voice.”
“Political differences apart, when it comes to protection of our people, we are one. This resolution will be remembered for generations to come,” he said, urging unanimous passage.
After a discussion supported by almost all legislators, the Speaker put the resolution to vote and declared it adopted.
By Our Reporter
