KSU against geo-scientific investigation by GSI in M’laya

The Khasi Students’ Union has alleged the Geological Survey of India (GSI) of carrying out geo-scientific investigation in as many as 13 locations in Meghalaya’s South West Khasi Hills district, and strongly suspected that it could be a comprehensive environmental impact assessment related to pre-mining activity which is a formality being done before the actual operation of uranium mining.
South West Khasi Hills district has certain areas which are rich in uranium deposits.
In a letter submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of South West Khasi Hills district, Barnari Mawlong on Wednesday, KSU South West Khasi Hills district president, Forwardman Nongrem and environment secretary, Plosborlin Kharjahrin said that the union suspected hidden motive behind the geo-scientific investigation by the GSI in Mawkyrwat area as it was approved by the Central government through the Ministry of Mines.
According to the KSU South West Khasi Hills district, the 13 areas already planned for geo-scientific investigation by the GSI include, Mawkyrwat, Mawten, Mawlangwir, Nonglang, Wahsiej, Mawkyllung, Marshilong, Nongbah Marshilong, Mawtle, Sakwang, Pyndensakwang, Jakrem, and Nongmawleiñ Pawphlang.
The union also suspected that it could be a comprehensive environmental impact assessment related to pre-mining activity just for formality sake before starting the actual mining in order to comply with the national guidelines such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency as well as World Nuclear Association before mining of uranium.
The Union also has doubts because the GSI used to conduct field survey to find out the availability of uranium as in the case of states in India like Maharashtra, Chattisgarh and Sonbhadra district in Uttar Pradesh,” the letter said.
The KSU claimed that “as per documents accessed by the union, the GSI has intentions to undertake geological mapping, sample collection, and pitting & trenching including drilling which could be 10 metres deep or more. This has brought serious doubt to the union.”
The KSU alleged that the GSI had come to Mawkyrwat area without sharing prior detailed information to the people in connection with its activities, no consultation with the villages before going ahead with the field survey and without public clarification as to why the field survey is required, and the sample collection was done for what kind of minerals.
Moreover, it was alleged that the GSI did not explain regarding the methods and procedures that are needed for field survey and without the knowledge of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
The KSU said that the Deputy Commissioner has informed that a meeting with all villages and organisations would be convened where the GSI would also clarify on the issue.
“We have made it clear that we shall not allow such thing if it is a pre-uranium mining activity before mining uranium from Domïasiat and Mawthabah area,” the KSU stated.