SHILLONG: A major controversy is brewing over the resumption of uranium exploration activities in the state, with the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) flagging aggressive moves by central agencies and an alarming Office Memorandum (OM) issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
According to the union, frequent visits by officials from the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) under heavy security, alongside fresh surveys by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), indicate clear preparations for exploratory mining. This renewed push has reportedly been accompanied by the intimidation of local environmentalists who oppose uranium mining.
The KSU alleged that activists are being harassed by individuals claiming to be from the CBI and NIA, while some state environmentalists have had their visas suspended, effectively barring them from returning home.
ALSO READ: KSU Exposes Double Standards on Uranium Mining
Adding to the gravity of the situation is an Office Memorandum issued by the Ministry on September 8, 2025, which completely waives the mandatory “Public Hearing” clause and the requirement for prior consent from local residents before commencing mining activities.
The KSU pointed out that this memorandum explicitly allows the Government of India to use overriding powers in the name of National Security, effectively making a scapegoat of the indigenous population. In response to these developments, the youth organization has moved the KHADC to put up a multi-layered defense.
The union is seeking a total ban on land transfers for radioactive mining through immediate amendments to tribal land regulations and has called upon local traditional institutions to actively block AMD officials from conducting field operations in the vulnerable pockets of West and South West Khasi Hills.
(4FrontMedia news)
