SHILLONG: In a decisive move to permanently close the door on uranium extraction, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced that the state government will introduce a formal resolution in the State Legislative Assembly opposing uranium mining.
The announcement, delivered via video statement, marks a major policy consolidation and underscores the National People’s Party-led coalition’s firm commitment to blocking any local or central initiatives targeting the state’s uranium reserves.
The decision to bring a legislative resolution followed a high-level meeting of the National People’s Party (NPP) leadership, where uranium mining dominated the agenda.
The party leadership, in complete consensus, advised the Chief Minister that verbal assurances were no longer sufficient and called for a unified, legally binding stand.
Accepting the mandate, Chief Minister Sangma confirmed that steps have already begun to draft and table the anti-mining resolution, signaling a clear shift from administrative assurances to formal legislative action.
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This assertive step comes amid renewed public speculation and concern over the central government’s intentions regarding Meghalaya’s uranium deposits.
Chief Minister Sangma referenced the recent visit of Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh to Shillong, where Dr. Singh clarified that the Government of India is still examining the matter and has not initiated any concrete project. While the clarification was not widely covered in the press, Sangma emphasized that the Centre has not moved forward.
Nonetheless, in order to dispel any ambiguity and assert the state’s autonomy, the NPP-led government is proactively strengthening its position through the proposed assembly resolution.
At the heart of this legislative effort is deep concern for Meghalaya’s ecological vulnerability and the well-being of its indigenous communities.
Chief Minister Sangma reiterated that the government is acutely aware of the environmental and social risks of radioactive mining, which threaten the state’s forests, water sources, and future generations.
By bringing this resolution to the assembly, the state administration aims to deliver a strong, legally-backed message to the Centre: the protection of local lives, ancestral lands, and the environment is Meghalaya’s top priority.
(4FrontMedia news)
