NEW DELHI, May 21 – Faced with increasing demand by social groups to stop uranium mining in Meghalaya, the State government has started official-level talks with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre seeking “clarifications” on fears that people living near the mines were exposed to radiation.
“Our officials have met BARC people seeking clarifications,” Chief Minister DD Lapang told PTI here. However, he did not divulge the outcome of the meetings, saying this would be done only after State ministers met the BARC officials.
Several social groups have demanded stopping of uranium mining in Domiasiat area of Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills district, alleging that people in nearby villages had complained of exposure to radiation.
They also demanded that the government ask Uranium Corporation of India Ltd, which is carrying out the mining, to leave the State. Lapang said his government would examine the demands and take a decision keeping in mind the health aspect.