Why is the Meghalaya Khasi Hills Council Opposing the Centre’s Move to Eliminate Public Hearings for Uranium Mining?

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Why is the Meghalaya Khasi Hills Council Opposing the Centre’s Move to Eliminate Public Hearings for Uranium Mining?

Synopsis

The KHADC has raised serious concerns over the Central government's directive to scrap public hearings for uranium mining in tribal areas, viewing this as a potential violation of indigenous rights and environmental standards. This bold stance reflects ongoing tensions over resource management in Meghalaya.

Key Takeaways

  • KHADC opposes Central government's mining directive.
  • Directive removes public consultation requirement.
  • Potential risks to indigenous rights and environment.
  • Resolution calls for exemption for KHADC areas.
  • Previous mining attempts met with large public protests.

Shillong, Oct 23 (NationPress) The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has voiced its strong opposition to a recent directive from the Central government, which eliminates the need for public consultations prior to commencing uranium mining projects in tribal territories, labeling it a direct threat to indigenous rights and environmental protections.

During a council meeting on Wednesday night, Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh tabled and successfully passed a resolution that rejects a September memorandum issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

This memorandum exempts mining projects involving atomic minerals, such as uranium, from mandatory public hearings, following amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act, 2023.

The intent behind this move is to accelerate approvals for what the Centre deems as “critical and strategic” minerals.

Lyngdoh cautioned that this exemption could have significant repercussions for tribal communities in Meghalaya, asserting that the directive undermines traditional governance systems by permitting mining in tribal lands without local consent.

“Such policies ignore community voices and jeopardize both the environment and public health,” he remarked during the session.

The resolution urges the Central government to exclude the areas under KHADC's jurisdiction from the memorandum's scope.

Lyngdoh indicated that the council has already reached out to the MoEFCC secretary requesting such an exemption, yet has not received an official reply to date.

Opposition leader Titosstarwell Chyne expressed concerns that the resolution did not fully meet expectations. He argued that restricting the exemption request to Khasi Hills could inadvertently support uranium mining in other tribal regions like Jaintia and Garo Hills.

Chyne called for a complete retraction of the memorandum across all tribal areas in Meghalaya.

He also warned that eliminating the public hearing process would effectively mute indigenous voices and diminish community oversight regarding mining decisions that could permanently affect their ancestral lands.

Chyne reminded the council that past attempts by the Centre to initiate uranium mining in the state faced substantial public protests, highlighting profound community opposition due to environmental and social concerns.

Point of View

I recognize the importance of indigenous voices in discussions surrounding resource extraction. The KHADC’s concerns about the Central government's directive are valid and warrant a thorough examination of environmental and social impacts. Upholding community rights is essential for sustainable development.
NationPress
23/10/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the KHADC's stance on uranium mining?
The KHADC opposes the Central government's directive to eliminate public consultations for uranium mining, viewing it as a threat to indigenous rights and environmental safeguards.
What does the recent memorandum entail?
The memorandum exempts mining projects involving atomic minerals like uranium from mandatory public hearings, aimed at expediting approvals for critical minerals.
How has the community reacted to this directive?
Community leaders have expressed strong opposition, emphasizing the need for public consultations to protect tribal rights and environmental health.
What are the potential consequences of this directive?
The exemption could undermine traditional governance and lead to mining activities without local consent, risking environmental degradation and public health.
What actions has the KHADC taken?
The KHADC has passed a resolution rejecting the memorandum and has sought an exemption from the MoEFCC, although they have yet to receive a response.
Nation Press