SHILLONG, JULY 6: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday asserted that the state government has no plans to go ahead with uranium mining, stressing that the administration’s stand is aligned with public sentiment.
Speaking to the media, Dhar said the issue was settled as far as the government was concerned.
“We are very clear on that. We are not allowing uranium mining. The government stands with the people of the state. Whatever it may be with uranium, we are very clear we are with the people of Meghalaya,” he stated.
The KSU recently alleged that some MLAs were purchasing land in Domiasiat at low rates and attempting to build support for uranium mining among locals.
Dhar said he was not aware of such transactions, but underlined that no mining activity would be cleared without the consent of the entire state.
“I am not aware about that. The only thing is that uranium is not allowed until and unless the whole state is on board,” he said. On whether the government would probe the claim, he added:
“Obviously if there is an allegation, the government will verify whether it is right or wrong. That is top priority.”
Locals have alleged that the area is being deprived of development projects because of its opposition to uranium mining. Dhar dismissed the charge.
“That is totally wrong. You see, whenever we give development, the government never has any negative thinking behind that. Development is development. The government does not only bring development to the uranium area, across the state we are distributing equally,” he said.
On concerns over bad road conditions and inadequate health facilities in the region, Dhar said the government was working to improve connectivity across Meghalaya.
“The road is there, but we are trying our level best as a government to give roads across the state of Meghalaya. But yes, we are not saying that we are giving perfect roads to whoever demands. But as the government we listen to the demands of the people, and whenever possible we provide roads,” he said.
By Our Reporter
