Meghalaya Government Promises Public Consent Before Uranium Mining

Shillong: Meghalaya will not dig for uranium without public backing. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar confirmed this stance on July 7, placing the state's residents at the center of the debate. Mining remains off the table unless the entire state agrees.

Dhar made the commitment after the Khasi Students' Union raised concerns about potential projects. The government claims it investigates all claims before moving forward. They track the pulse of the people to ensure local needs come first.

"We are very clear. We are with the people of the state. Uranium mining cannot be allowed unless the whole state is on board," Dhar said. He noted that the government does not focus solely on mineral-rich zones. Instead, officials spread infrastructure projects across the entire state to foster growth.

The deputy chief minister pushed back against critics who doubt the state's intentions. He argued that officials act with positive goals in mind. Development happens everywhere, not just in spots targeted for mining.