Now Reading: Meghalaya Assembly unanimously passes resolution against uranium mining
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Meghalaya Assembly unanimously passes resolution against uranium mining
Meghalaya Assembly unanimously passes resolution against uranium mining
The Meghalaya assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution against exploration and mining of uranium in the state. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma moved the resolution, which was supported by all 60…
The Meghalaya assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution against exploration and mining of uranium in the state. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma moved the resolution, which was supported by all 60 MLAs.
The resolution urges the Centre, the Department of Atomic Energy and Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) not to permit, pursue or undertake any uranium mining operation in Meghalaya. Sangma cited health impacts of uranium mining seen in other parts of the country as a key reason for the opposition. He also noted that Meghalaya has large uranium deposits and that past central government efforts for exploration and mining had faced widespread public opposition across the state.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The resolution is not legally binding on the central government or the Department of Atomic Energy, which controls UCIL. Under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, the central government has exclusive authority over uranium exploration and mining. However, any mining lease requires state government consent under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. This unanimous resolution signals strong political opposition and could delay or block UCIL's plans in the Kylleng-Pyndengsohiong-Mawthabah area in West Khasi Hills, where significant reserves have been identified. The next move will be from the central government, which may either hold consultations with the state or proceed with legal avenues.
Source: telanganatoday.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
