NEST (I) writes to Jitendra Singh for restarting uranium mining in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 8, 2024

The North East Sunshine Trust (India) has recently submitted a detailed project report (DPR) to the Centre for restarting Uranium mining project in Meghalaya.

In a letter to Union Minister of State, Department of Atomic Energy Dr Jitendra Singh on February 26, 2024, founder trustee and chairperson of NEST (I) Elizabeth Mathews Nongbri said, “A detailed project report on the restarting Uranium Mining Project in Meghalaya has been prepared by our team.”

Nongbri said that, “In November 23, during a National Ex-Servicemen Convention at Kurukshetra, I met with Col Pravat Kumar Panda (Retd), Independent Director, Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL). He brought up the subject of restarting the Uranium mining project in Meghalaya. As you are aware GOI surveys indicated vast deposits of Uranium in West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya. Exploratory efforts to mine this extremely valuable and precious resource seventeen years ago could not progress, due to vested interests stonewalling the efforts by building up adverse public opinion against the venture. UCIL was forced to shut down its office in Shillong. The agreement between the Centre and State of 2009 to permit lease of land in West Khasi Hills for pre-mining activities, was cancelled in 2016. The estimated quantity of the deposits is vast, adding up to enormous commercial value. While other states like Jharkhand have been able to benefit from the much smaller deposits in their area, Meghalaya is sitting on such enormous quantity of natural resource and is unable to benefit from it.”

“NEST (I) with its grass roots contacts and expertise available would be in a position to make this a workable proposition. We have the necessary wherewithal in terms of engagement with the local people, ability to convince them of the vast benefit accruing to the region, and the prospects of a vastly improved lifestyle in case of relocation,” she stated.

Giving a brief summary of the Policy Document and Framework for Execution, the letter to the DAE said that “the proposed uranium mining projects in Meghalaya, spared concerns from various stakeholders. Past opposition led to revocation in 2016, but the Central government persists. Stakeholder concerns include environmental impact, socio-economic implications, and a lack of transparent communication.” 

It also said that “The primary objective is to develop and implement sustainable solutions addressing uranium mining concerns in Meghalaya. The plan aims for a balanced approach reconciling economic aspirations with the preservation of cultural and environmental heritage, setting a model for responsible resource utilization.”

“Guided by the principles of transparency, environmental stewardship, social equity and community empowerment, the action plan emphasizes understanding stakeholder concerns, conducting independent environmental impact assessments, adopting best practices, exploring alternative economic development, and strengthening the legal and regulatory framework. Recognizing the importance of grassroots organizations, the plan proposes their empowerment as a counterbalance to existing opposing organizations. Initiative includes recognition, capacity building and inclusion in decision-making, fostering dialogue, and building trust. Integrated seamlessly into the existing action plan, this addition contributes to community representation and collaborative decision making,” it further added. 

Nongbri in her letter also said “Our interactions at the grass root levels indicate that a favourable environment to recommence the activities could be created, provided that some members of our Trust are involved in decision making points in UCIL.” 

“Some members of the local communities, who have formerly served with the Soil & Conservation Department, Government of Meghalaya, are now part of our team. They would be instrumental in generating a favourable public opinion for restarting the project. They have requested for a formal facilitation of a visit to UCIL’s ongoing mining projects in Jharkhand, in order to be able to prepare a credible case for garnering sufficient public support,” she said while adding “We have done a lot of hard work in carrying out interactions and meetings with citizens who are the major stakeholders in restarting mining operations.”

She further claimed that the economic benefits accruing to the rural population from resumption of this activity will bring enormous benefits to them. Besides, the valuable natural resource will greatly assist the vision of the PM in actualizing a state of Viksit Bharat. 

“We request for an opportunity for some members of our women team, who are Viksit Bharat Ambassadors from matrilineal Meghalaya, to be able to physically present the Policy Document and Framework for Execution to the PM and concerned officials of UCIL at New Delhi, as convenient. Incidentally, Meghalaya ranks as one of the three most impoverished states in the country,” she concluded in the letter.

When contacted to seek more clarification on the project, Nongbri said, “I cannot speak (on this) as of now. I will talk to you another time.”