DAE prefers dialogue with anti-uranium mining groups in Meghalaya

Shillong, Apr 10 (UNI) The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has decided to continue with its dialogue with anti-Uranium groups before extracting 3,75,000 ton of uranium ore in Meghalaya.

'' We would like to continue the dialogue with all groups and convince them for extracting Uranium in Meghalaya, '' DAE Joint Secretary Shailendra Mendiratta told UNI after a meeting with Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy.

He asserted that mining could take place only after the state government issued a No Objection Certificate to Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) to start the mega project.

Today, Mr Mendiratta, who was accompanied by UCIL Chairman Ramendra Gupta, held discussions with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers Hoping Stone Lyngdoh and Timothy D Shira and other senior government officials.

The visit of DAE and UCIL officials assumed significance in the backdrop of the Prime Minister's Office deciding to go ahead with the Kylleng-Pyndengsohiong-Mawthabah Uranium mining project in West Khasi Hills District.

Mr Mendiratta, however, said his visit to the state was a courtesy call on Dr Donkupar Roy after being elevated to highest office in the state.

'' We have nothing to hide and our meeting with the Chief Minister was a courtesy call only, '' he said.

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