First step yet to be made for uranium mining: Meghalaya Govt

Shillong, May 26 (UNI) The Meghalaya government has said that the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) is yet to take the first step towards uranium mining in the state though the war of words on the issue has reached a high pitch.

''I do not know what the UCIL is doing. They have not even sent an application to the state government seeking the lease of the land for mining purpose or seeking environmental clearance. It is yet to make the first step towards uranium mining in the state,'' state Chief Secretary S K Tewari told UNI here today.

''It has only submitted a set of documents containing a copy of the Supreme Court order allowing uranium mining and a study report on the pros and cons of mining. But we need an application from them to consider it. Then only it will be decided whether to allow or disallow mining in the state,'' he said.

The official lashed out at both the UCIL and those opposing uranium mining, terming the debate as immature.

''Nothing has been done officially and suddenly there is this big hue and cry regarding mining. I would advice the UCIL to follow the official procedures rather than getting involved in this debate,'' said Mr Tewari.

The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) chief executive member H.S. Shylla had recently sent a letter to the government informing that the council had no objection to mining.

However, the Chief Secretary said that the KHADC was not the authority and application had to be sent to the government.

Meanwhile, the state government has decided to form a panel with representatives from various sections of society to discuss the issue of uranium mining.

''The government will not go about it in a haphazard manner on the issue. A committee will be formed to elicit the views, sentiments, opinions and comments from all corners,'' Chief Minister D D Lapang told media yesterday after a Cabinet meeting.

The committee will have representatives from the KHADC, the residents of the uranium deposit areas in the West Khasi Hills, government officials and NGOs, the Chief Minister said.

UNI SG SP RN1502