Uranium Mining Unrest in Meghalaya – Consent, Rights, and Governance
Context
The Union Environment Ministry has issued an Office Memorandum (OM) exempting the mining of atomic, critical, and strategic minerals from public consultation under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
This directly impacts proposed uranium mining in Domiasiat and Wahkaji (Meghalaya), opposed by Khasi groups since the 1980s.
The move has revived concerns about tribal rights, environmental safety, and democratic safeguards.
Key Issues
Lack of Consent
Khasi groups demand respect for free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), a global norm in indigenous rights.
Government’s stance signals that community refusal is no longer acceptable.
Environmental and Health Concerns
Uranium mining is highly polluting, causes radioactive exposure, and leads to irreversible ecological damage.
Experience in Jharkhand’s Singhbhum mines highlights long-term risks: radiation, livelihood loss, poor rehabilitation.
Governance & Procedural Concerns
OMs (Office Memoranda) are executive tools, issued without parliamentary or judicial scrutiny.
By bypassing public consultation, the OM erodes safeguards of environmental governance.
Tribal lands risk being treated as resource frontiers for the rest of India.
Constitutional & Legal Safeguards
Fifth & Sixth Schedules: Protect tribal autonomy over land and resources.
Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council may invoke Sixth Schedule powers to block uranium mining.
Niyamgiri case (2013, Vedanta bauxite mining): SC upheld Gram Sabha’s authority to decide on mining in tribal areas → possible legal precedent.
Broader Implications
National Security vs Tribal Rights: Uranium is vital for India’s nuclear energy & strategic programmes, but must not override constitutional protections.
Mining Governance Precedent: If left unchallenged, the OM could reshape mineral governance across India, bypassing community participation.
Democratic Deficit: Coercive approaches risk alienating tribal groups, deepening distrust between state and communities.
Way Forward
Withdraw the OM: Reinstate public consultation in mining of strategic minerals.
Dialogue over Coercion: Engage with Khasi groups and ensure participatory decision-making.
Alternative Pathways: Explore other uranium deposits, substitute technologies, or renewable energy options.
Judicial Challenge: Communities may approach courts invoking constitutional provisions, environmental jurisprudence, and international norms.