Search News and Articles

Custom Search

Friday, September 11, 2009

Body wants uranium mining to end development drought

SHILLONG, Sept 11: The All Meghalaya Development and Advancement through Uranium Mining ( AMDAUM) rally at Wahkaji on Thursday manifested the clarion call of the people to develop the State through uranium mining by Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL). Though uranium deposit site known as Wahkaji-Mawthabah is barely 160 km from Shillong, roads, health care, electricity and other basic amenities are at preliminary stage in the area. It is on these ground that the functionaries of AMDAUM took a virtual swipe at the forces that are against the Rs 209-crore ‘pre-development’ project of UCIL.

Laying emphasis on developmental works that the State Government assured through the UCIL money, AMDAUM joint secretary Onder Mynrthong said at a public rally on Thursday, “When we have been deprived of the basic amenities in our 38 years of statehood, does wisdom allow you to stop somebody who wants to provide us with an offer to develop the best of infrastructure?” Stating that the Rs 209 crore earmarked by UCIlL is a welcome to all the people with a vision for development, Myrthong added the proposed uranium project will be a blessing to both the uranium deposit sites and the entire West Khasi Hills district.

Pushing the issue of uranium mining for development of the area, AMDAUM chairman Wondar Myrthong said the anti-uranium plank has no basis at all. “They spoke about health hazards and displacement of the indigenous people, yet the well-documented genuine reports negated the arguments,” stated the Chairman of AMDAUM, adding: “I can vouched and challenge those who propagate their anti-uranium stand.”

Moreover, the AMDAUM has also got the support of the village chiefs. A couple of village chiefs told this correspondent, “The long-awaited development has eventually come, and none should stall it. We don’t know anything about uranium mining. The developmental projects announced by the State Government are what we wanted.” Another village Chief said: “Give us a chance to get the facilities what Shillong and other developed areas of the State have getting over the years.” The pro-uranium lobby meeting was attended by hundreds of people from the proposed uranium mining sites. THE SENTINEL

No comments: