Meghalaya Assembly To Debate Resolution Against Uranium Mining

The Meghalaya government has announced that it will introduce a resolution in the State Assembly opposing uranium mining, amid renewed concerns over the Centre’s reported efforts to examine the feasibility of mining uranium deposits in the state. The move follows public apprehension over recent visits by officials of the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) to uranium-bearing areas in South West Khasi Hills district.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma clarified that the Union government has not taken any final decision on uranium mining in Meghalaya. Referring to remarks made by Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh, Sangma said the Centre had only stated that the matter remained under examination. He added that the decision to bring an anti-uranium mining resolution was taken following a request from leaders of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).

According to the Chief Minister, the proposed resolution reflects the state government's commitment to protecting Meghalaya’s environment, forests and local communities from the potential impact of uranium mining. He said the Assembly would formally express its opposition to any mining activity in the state through the resolution, reinforcing the government's stand on environmental conservation.

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The issue has gained momentum after the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) alleged that officials from the Atomic Minerals Directorate had increased visits to Domiasiat and nearby uranium-rich areas while disregarding concerns raised by local residents. The student organisation also claimed that certain influential individuals, including former legislators, had acquired land in anticipation of possible mining activity, though these allegations have not been independently verified.

The KSU has urged the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council to adopt legal and policy measures to prevent uranium mining within its jurisdiction. The organisation has remained one of the strongest voices against uranium extraction in Meghalaya, arguing that such projects could have serious environmental and health consequences for local communities.

Opposition to uranium mining in Meghalaya has a long history and is closely associated with the late environmental activist Spility Lyngdoh Langrin, popularly known as the “Iron Lady” of Meghalaya. She led campaigns against uranium mining for decades and famously refused an offer to lease her land after exploratory drilling by the AMD in 1993. Following her death in 2020, organisations including the KSU have continued to observe October 28 as Anti-Uranium Day in her memory and in support of the anti-mining movement.

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