SHILLONG, May 17 : If things go all right, Meghalaya could very well bid its financial constraints adieu. After well-over a decade, investigation and drilling of uranium deposits ? said to be in plenty in the State ? by the Uranium Corporation of India (UCI) have resumed in the State.
The UCI has conducted geo-physical survey in Domiasiat area of West Khasi Hills and was now negotiating with the individuals. The State Government was not involved in the process, Chief Secretary J Tayeng told reporters here today.
Process of excavation of the precious mineral had begun in Meghalaya in 1992 as Rs 450 crores were earmarked for the pilot project but it was reportedly abandoned due to protests from local people and village heads.
Making a forceful plea to use the uranium deposits of Meghalaya, the Chief Secretary said that "even if we do not use it for making atomic weapons, we can do it for generating atomic power to build infrastructure for the State."
Tayeng voiced concern that the precious mineral would be of no use after 20-25 years if the scientific community discovered a substitute for uranium.
He said except Jharkhand, Meghalaya is the second State in the country with uranium deposits.
Making the government?s role clear, Tayeng said the State would like to be a "facilitator" in the process and wished to convince the people who opposed the move earlier.
The money earmarked for the project might be useful for developing West Khasi Hills district, he added.
Experts are of the opinion that once the uranium potential of the State is unearthed, Meghalaya could well turn out to be the richesat State in the North-east. Experts have also felt that the lure of uranium deposits could very well see foreign direct investment pouring in the State, as many giant multi-national corporations would like to have a share in the pie.