By IANS,
Kolkata : Uranium mining in Meghalaya could start within the first half of this year, if differences between the state government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) opposed to the extraction of the mineral are resolved.
“We are going ahead with uranium mining in Meghalaya. A joint committee of NGOs has been formed and we intend to resolve all issues within the next three months. I am hopeful that mining will start within the next 5-6 months,” Meghalaya Chief Minister D.D. Lapang said here Friday.
Lapang said he had submitted a proposal to the central government seeking Rs.2,098 crore for undertaking development work in the mining area.
“Many NGOs which had initially opposed the project are now coming onboard,” Lapang said on the sidelines of a Summit on the North East, organized by an industry body.