Meghalaya Assembly Passes Resolution Against Uranium Mining In State

The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution opposing uranium mining and the establishment of any uranium processing facility in the state. The resolution was tabled by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and received support from the opposition. The move gives legislative backing to Meghalaya’s longstanding opposition to uranium-related activities and formally places the state’s position on record.

Sangma told the Assembly that land ownership in Meghalaya is governed by a distinctive constitutional and customary framework. Community, clan and individual ownership rights are protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, he said. Uranium deposits have been identified in areas including Domiasiat, Wahkyn and Nongstoin, but proposals for mining have faced sustained resistance from local communities and traditional institutions.

The opposition to uranium mining has been driven by concerns over possible health risks, environmental damage and displacement. Student organisations and civil society groups have also been involved in the movement against mining proposals. Sangma said the latest resolution was intended to formally record Meghalaya’s opposition to uranium extraction and processing, with the state government set to communicate the Assembly’s decision to the Centre.

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The issue has remained politically and socially sensitive in Meghalaya for several decades. The roots of the opposition date back to the 1980s, when the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research began exploration in uranium-rich areas of the then West Khasi Hills, particularly around Domiasiat and the Kylleng-Pyndengsohiong-Mawthabah region. The Domiasiat deposit is considered one of India’s significant uranium deposits.

Several local figures became prominent voices in the movement against mining. Hopingstone Lyngdoh played an early role in mobilising people against uranium extraction, while Spelity Lyngdoh Langrin of Domiasiat became associated with the resistance after reportedly refusing a major offer from the Uranium Corporation of India Limited for her land. Their involvement reflected the strong opposition among sections of local communities to proposed uranium activities.

The Assembly resolution now provides formal legislative backing to that decades-old movement and signals Meghalaya’s opposition to future proposals involving uranium extraction or processing in the state. With land rights, environmental concerns and customary institutions playing an important role in Meghalaya, the decision is likely to remain significant in any future discussion between the state and the Centre over uranium-related activities.

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