Meghalaya Government and KHADC Oppose Centre’s Uranium Mining Exemption

The Meghalaya government has reaffirmed its strong opposition to uranium mining in the state in response to a recent Office Memorandum (OM) from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which exempts public hearings for mining projects involving atomic minerals like uranium.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma emphasised the state’s unwavering stance, stating, “We have consistently opposed uranium mining, and our position remains firm.”

While Sangma noted that he has not yet fully reviewed the OM, he stressed that the issue demands thorough legal examination. “We will seek clarification from the central government after studying the memorandum. If needed, I will personally address this with the Government of India to safeguard the interests of our people,” he said.

Sangma assured that the state government would object to any notification that undermines public welfare, with plans to engage the Union government once the legal review is complete.

The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) also voiced its opposition to the MoEFCC’s OM on Tuesday, October 1, 2025. The OM eliminates mandatory public consultations under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework for atomic mineral mining projects. Newly elected Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh stated, “We will discuss this matter further once the new Executive Committee is fully formed.”

The notification has sparked significant concern among local communities and pressure groups, who consider public hearings a vital component of the EIA process. These groups, fiercely opposed to uranium mining, have pledged to resist such activities in Meghalaya “until their last breath.”

The state hosts one of India’s largest uranium reserves in Domiasiat, Wahkaji, and the surrounding areas of West Khasi Hills, but local communities have long resisted exploration and extraction due to health and environmental risks.