Reconsider mining proposal call issued
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 24 2020:
Environment Protection Association Ukhrul District has demanded the Govt of India and State Govt to reconsider the proposal to mine minerals from several villages in Ukhrul, Tengnoupal and Chandel districts.
The association has demanded to ensure rehabilitation and resettlement of the villagers prior to the launch of the project.
The villages which are going to be affected by the proposed mining had urged the Union Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change to conduct environmental impact assessment, cumulative impact assessment and other assessments before granting the forest and environment clearance to avoid any complexity like the inferno at the oil refinery at Bhagajan.
Tinsukia district, Assam in May this year.
In a release, the association said that the villagers are still not aware of any feasibility study of the mining project and the authorities concerned didn't take prior consent of the people while adding that more than 10,000 families are dependent on the forest for their livelihood by collecting fire wood, fruits, vegetables and fishing from the rivers and streams that originate from the mountains.
It may be noted that many companies like Sarvesh Refractory Pvt Ltd, Balasore Alloys Ltd, Anand Export Ltd etc.
signed MoU with the Govt of India and State Govt for the mining project.
The villagers urged the State Govt not to take up any mining activities until all the safeguard measures, rehabilitation of the people are ensured.