Govt to respect people's sentiments on Uranium mining:Lapang

Shillong, Apr 13 (UNI) Chief Minister D D Lapang today adopted a balanced approach in tackling the issue of uranium mining in Meghalaya.

''Uranium is a mineral needed by the Centre, but at the same time the government has to respect the sentiments of the people of the state,'' Mr Lapang informed the Assembly.

The Uranium Corporation of India Limited has proposed to acquire 10 square kilometers of land in the uranium deposit areas of Kylleng-Pyndemsohiong-Mawthabah in West Khasi Hills district and about 30,000 people are likely to be displaced. The UCIL is promising to provide 85 per cent of the jobs to residents in the area.

Recalling the comments of President A P J Abdul Kalam during his visit to Shillong, the chief minister said the government was exploring ways and means to convince the NGOs and land owners to arrive at an acceptable solution to the problem of uranium mining in the state.

''The state government cannot back out of the need of the Centre to mine uranium as Meghalaya is part and parcel of India,'' Mr Lapang said.

''However, the government will respect the people's sentiments before taking any decision to go ahead with uranium mining,'' he asserted.

The chief minister said health measures would be ensured while undertaking uranium mining.

UNI