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Uranium mining at Balpakram kept in abeyance

By Newmai News

SHILLONG, April 30 � The Government of Meghalaya has decided to keep in abeyance the proposed exploratory mining of uranium in the Balpakram National Park. The Government came to this decision after meeting a delegation of the Garo Students� Union (GSU) here on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma, GSU, general secretary, Sanjeeb Sangma said, �The Government has assured us that it won�t go against the wish of the people but would evolve a consensus on the issue.�

He, however, reiterated, �The GSU is in principle opposed to the mining of uranium from any area within Meghalaya.�

The GSU general secretary also said that the Government has assured the delegation that it will take up the matter with the Ministry of Environment and Forest and also with the Department of Wildlife.

Sanjeeb Sangma also said that since the Government had assured them that the proposed exploratory mining will be kept in abeyance the GSU will take a �wait and watch policy�. He, however, warned that if the Government played with the sentiments of the people of Garo Hills then it will not sit idle but pursue the issue to its logical conclusion. �Our Central Executive Committee is meeting on May 5 where we will decide our future course of action,� the general secretary said.

Earlier, the Central Government had decided to depute an inspection team for Balpakram to ascertain facts about the proposed drilling sites. The 400 sq km Balpakram National Park is a known habitat for Asian elephant, tiger and other endangered animals, such as, Hoolock Gibbon and Slow Loris, apart from being home to rare and endemic plants.

Several NGOs of Garo Hills led by the powerful GSU are opposed to the proposed exploratory drilling of uranium ore from the Balpakram Park.

Apart from the issue of uranium mining the GSU also discussed with Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma, the issue of the non-completion of the Nongalbibra-Agia transmission line.

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