Deploring anti-uranium mining groups in the state, Meghalaya Governor R S Mooshahary today said there were sections opposing the mining project due to misunderstanding and spreading misinformation on the issue.
“There are some people who are opposing the uranium mining project due to misunderstanding. Another section is opposing with an intention of spreading misinformation,” he said.
Allaying fears of health and environmental hazards, he said, “human health and security is the top priority of the decision makers. How can the government give its nod to a project which is detrimental to the state?”
“We always suspect that every act of the government is anti-people. Meghalaya is not a colony of New Delhi, but a constituent of a federal state. The people should come out of the old mind-set,” Mooshahary said, adding the UCIL and the Government of India were not mercenaries with commercial intention, but they are seeking to mine uranium for developmental purpose.
He said, “the revenue generated by Meghalaya is 15 per cent of the total amount spent annually. The remaining amount, excluding the projects of direct funding, comes from the Centre. How can anyone say the Centre is not concerned about the people of the state”.
