NEW DELHI: The proposed mining of uranium: deposit in the Khasi hills of Meghalaya has kicked up a row conceding the health and environmental hazards of this radioactive mineral. There has been a sustained campaign by local leaders and public representatives against uranium exploitation in the area where deposits have been estimated at 10 million tons, a state’s man report from Guwahati says. ‘The Ores spread over an area of 10 km, at a depth of 10 to 45 meters are up to 41% uranium grade, would enable the state Government to earn an average of Rs 50 lakhs for at least the next 30 years.
Dr.R.Chidambaram, chairman of atomic energy commission led a team to the Khasi hill de posits and said radiation levels were ab safe levels. He also asked local leaders to visit the Jadugoda uranium de posits in Bihar where it could be demonstrated how safe such mining was to the health and environment,
‘The strong resistance to mining has Jed to the Khasi students union, demanding a 50% royalty from the government as social costs.
The centers right to acquire land is Opposed to the rights of the people over their land as guaranteed in the sixth constitution and accession instrument signed with Khasi states.
However the commission’s move to put the villager’s fear at rest has been welcomed and a team will soon visit Jadugoda to investigate the environmental and health implications for themselves.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 9, 1993
