New Delhi, Dec. 10: The Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) has decided, in principle, to start uranium mining in the Domiasiat area of Meghalaya. Pre-project activities like preparation of environment impact assessment, environment management plan report and a project report have been initiated and application for mining lease has been submitted to the state government.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union minister of state for mines Ramesh Bais said Domiasiat will have a modern open-pit mine with adequate safety measures from any possible radiation. Attention must be paid to protect the environment around the site, he added.
Meghalaya chief minister D.D. Lapang said, ?We welcome the efforts of the central agencies in developing the state through its mineral resources. But due consideration should be given to ensure the people?s security.?
The uranium deposits in the West Khasi hills are supposedly of a high grade and the Atomic Energy Commission of India has earmarked Rs 450 crore for setting up a uranium-aided power generation plant in Domiasiat.
Though the mining project was initiated in 1992, there was stiff resistance from social organisations which believed that radiation from the mineral could lead to health hazards.