Shillong, Aug 13 (IANS) The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a draft resolution opposing uranium mining in the state, with the Government set to place it before the Legislative Assembly during its upcoming Autumn Session beginning August 24.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the Cabinet decision on Thursday, saying the proposed resolution would formally place the state Government’s position on uranium mining before the Assembly.
The decision comes against the backdrop of decades of opposition to uranium mining among sections of local communities, particularly in areas of South West Khasi Hills district where significant uranium deposits have been identified.
The proposed mining sites include Domiasiat, Wahkaji and Mawthabah, areas that have remained at the centre of the debate over uranium extraction in Meghalaya.
The Cabinet’s decision is expected to bring the long‑standing issue into the formal legislative process, allowing the Government to articulate its position on uranium mining through an Assembly resolution.
Meghalaya is estimated to account for around 16 per cent of India’s uranium reserves, making the issue significant from both strategic and economic perspectives.
At the same time, concerns surrounding environmental protection, community interests and the potential impact of mining have remained major points of contention in the state.
Opposition to uranium mining in Meghalaya has persisted for several decades, with local organisations and community groups repeatedly raising concerns over the possible environmental and social consequences of mining activities.
The issue is particularly sensitive in Meghalaya because of the state’s distinctive land ownership and governance arrangements. A substantial portion of land is governed through customary systems, with traditional institutions and local communities playing an important role in matters relating to land and natural resources.
The proposed resolution comes amid the continuing debate over how Meghalaya should balance its natural resource potential with environmental safeguards and the concerns of indigenous communities.
By bringing the matter before the Assembly, the Government is seeking to give a formal legislative platform to the state’s position on uranium mining.
The Autumn Session of the Meghalaya Assembly, which begins on August 24, is therefore expected to provide an important forum for discussion on the issue and could mark a significant step in formally recording the state’s stance on uranium mining.
–IANS
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