NOC to two-lane project: CM blames KHADC

FROM A REPORTER

SHILLONG, June 17: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Friday said the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has committed mistake by not issuing No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the two-lane road project sanctioned by the Central government from Nongstoin to Mawthabah.

“It is wrong for KHADC to deprive the people of their rights,” Sangma told newsmen here on Friday.

Several NGOs from West Khasi hills has been opposing the issuing of NOC towards the two-lane road project as they feel that the main purpose of the road is to facilitate uranium mining in the area.

The KHADC is currently in a dilemma if it should issue the NOC or not as there has been some NGOs demanding the issuing of the NOC and some are opposing it.

When asked if the proposed two lane road to Mawthabah is aimed at extracting uranium, he said, “Why should the two-lane road project be linked with uranium mining?”

 “Just because we fear of certain things does not mean we should lose a project which is meant for bringing development for the people of that region. The two lane road project is not for uranium mining,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the people of that region are suffering and are eager to get the two-lane road projects besides other developmental projects.

He informed that the Chief Secretary has been directed to seek NOC from the KHADC on the road project.