SHILLONG : NPP MLA Dr Mehtab Chandee Agitok Sangma has urged the Meghalaya government to turn the Assembly’s unanimous opposition to uranium mining into a long-term policy that prevents uranium extraction and related activities in the state.
Speaking during the debate on the government resolution against uranium mining, the Gambegre MLA described the decision as an important response to concerns raised by people across Meghalaya.
She said the resolution should not be treated as the conclusion of the issue, but as the foundation for a clear policy on uranium.
“Today’s resolution is not only an end of a process, but it must be the beginning of a clear policy… to ensure that uranium mining and uranium-related activities do not take place in the state of Meghalaya,” she said.
Chandee said opposing uranium mining should not be interpreted as opposing development.
“This resolution is not against development, but it is a decision about what kind of development we want for our state,” she said.
She argued that Meghalaya’s development choices must place protection of people and natural resources at the centre.
“Development should ensure that we protect our people, our water, our forest, and much more important, our land,” she said.
While acknowledging uranium’s importance as a strategic resource for the country, Chandee said Meghalaya should retain the right to reject activities where the potential consequences are considered too serious.
“Uranium today must be a strategic resource for the nation, but Meghalaya also has its own rights to say no to certain resources and must remain untouched especially when the perceived risk to our environment, communities, and future generations are too great,” she said.
She also welcomed the unity shown by legislators across political parties on the issue.
“I therefore wholeheartedly support the government’s resolution, and I’m happy that this August House today has been unanimous in its decision to take this resolution,” Chandee said.
The resolution adopted by the Assembly seeks to oppose uranium mining and uranium processing activities in Meghalaya, putting the state’s position formally on record.
Chandee represents the Gambegre (ST) constituency in West Garo Hills and was elected in the November 2024 by-election.
