Shillong: The Meghalaya assembly on Wednesday unanimously opposed uranium mining and establishment of any uranium ore-processing facility in the state by adopting a govt resolution.Moving the resolution, CM Conrad K Sangma, on the first day of the autumn session, said it reflected the long-standing concerns of the people, particularly communities living in uranium-bearing areas.He said the state’s tribal areas were governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, with land held predominantly under community, clan and individual customary tenure. Land transfers are regulated by the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971.“The free, prior and informed consent of the affected communities has at no stage been obtained, and no mining lease for uranium has at any time been granted in the state,” the resolution said.The resolution cited the Supreme Court’s 2019 judgement in ‘State of Meghalaya v/s All Dimasa Students Union’, which held that private and community landowners in Meghalaya possess both “surface right as well as sub-soil right”, including rights over minerals.Uranium deposits have been identified in Domiasiat, Wahkijn and Lostoin in the West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills districts, as well as at Kylleng Pyndengsohiong Mawthabah.However, traditional institutions, autonomous district councils, student and civil society organisations and elected representatives have consistently opposed uranium mining in the state.“This House records the opposition of the people of the state of Meghalaya to the mining of uranium and to the establishment of any uranium-ore processing facility within the state. This House resolves to urge the Govt of India, the department of atomic energy and the uranium corporation of India Limited not to permit, pursue or undertake any uranium mining operation in the state of Meghalaya, including under the Kylleng Pyndengsohiong Mawthabah uranium mining project, and to close any activity relating to uranium mining anywhere in the state,” it read.Conrad said the state govt will formally communicate the assembly’s decision to the centre.
