Uranium mining will help Meghalaya
http://www.northeasttribune.com/4872.htm
NET News Network
Guwahati, Sept 11: Allying the fears of the non- governmental organizations of Meghalaya regarding the dangers of uranium mining, noted scientist and principal scientific adviser to the government of India, Dr R. Chidambaram said that uranium mining would not have any adverse affect on the health of the people of the state.
Speaking on the eleventh incorporation day function of the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi), Chidambaram said that the uranium mining would rather help the state, as the mining will dig out the radioactive elements from the ground." Experience with uranium mining worldwide has shown that it has not done any kind of damage to the people residing in the vicinity of the mining area," he said.
The nuclear scientist added that there is regulatory body, which will ensure the safety of the locals. " In Jaduguda in Jharkhand uranium mining is continuing and it has not caused any harm to the people and environment of the area," he said.
Uranium mining by Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) is opposed by dozens of non-governmental organizations including the regional party, Hills State Peoples Democratic Party since early 90,s on the ground that the radiations emanating from it will affect the health of people residing near the mining area.
The UCIL officials however maintained that the Company would start its project in West Khasi Hills only after receiving the consent of the people. UCIL officials would continue to clear doubts aired by the anti-uranium mining groups. The UCIL, propose to develop an opencast mine in Kylleng-Pyndemsohiong Uranium ore deposits and also established a processing plant near Mawthabah in West Khasi Hills district.
To meet the growing demand of uranium for nuclear power, UCIL has expanded its activities both in mining and processing plants. The operating units under UCIL at present are located at Jaduguda, Bhatin Narwapahar and Singhbum. The total estimated reserve of Uranium in India is estimated at 5.920 tonnes.
North Eastern Hills University research scholars, who were part of the team of the twenty seven member visiting Jaduguda in Jharkhand recently, maintained that the radon and gama radiation levels both inside and outside the mines at Jaduguda were well within the prescribed limits.
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