Overview

• The Environment Ministry’s September 8 office memorandum removes the requirement for public hearings for mining of atomic, critical and strategic minerals, including uranium, under the MMDR Act.
• The Khasi Students’ Union rejected the memorandum and warned of intensified resistance to any fresh attempts to explore or mine uranium in Meghalaya.
• The Hynniewtrep Youth Council alleged the change is a tactic to curb community consent and cited health concerns linked to uranium operations in Jaduguda, Jharkhand.
• The National People’s Youth Front asked KHADC Chief Executive Member Shemborlang Rynjah to act under Sixth Schedule powers, and he promised to examine the request with council officials.
• Meghalaya hosts major deposits at Domiasiat and Wahkaji where UCIL’s past efforts stalled due to local opposition, and no new mining activities have begun following the policy change.