Shillong, Oct 19 — A coalition of six NGOs from Chokpot, South Garo Hills, has issued a strong statement opposing ongoing coal mining activities and expressing alarm over possible uranium exploration in the region.
The organisations — Garo Students’ Union (GSU), A·chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), Chokpot Area Vigilance Committee (CAVC), Garo State Movement Committee (GSMC), A·chik Conscious Holistic Integrated Krima (ACHIK) and the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) — jointly conducted an inspection at Pharomgre, Chokpot, on October 18 and reported “serious environmental damage” already underway.
The groups warned that the mining site lies dangerously close to several key rivers — Rompa, Rongdik, Khakiza, and Rongma — which serve as vital lifelines for surrounding villages. They said the mining has caused pollution, siltation, and drying of tributaries, threatening drinking water sources and irrigation systems.
They further raised concerns over the site’s proximity to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, one of Meghalaya’s most critical ecological zones, warning that unchecked extraction would lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and destruction of wildlife habitats. Endangered species such as the Hoolock Gibbon and Himalayan Black Bear were cited as particularly vulnerable.
The statement also highlighted the potential fallout for eco-tourism and local livelihoods, stressing that mining could destroy natural attractions like Abong Chigat, Redingsni, Wari Chora, and Tengte Rongrep, which have drawn growing numbers of visitors.
Expressing suspicion over reports of possible uranium mining disguised as coal extraction, the NGOs cited earlier remarks by MP Saleng A. Sangma and GHADC Opposition Leader Bernard N. Marak and demanded full government transparency.
“The radiation risks from uranium mining can poison soil, air, and water for generations,” the groups said, urging the Government of Meghalaya, Forest Department, and Pollution Control Board to immediately stop all quarrying and revoke any illegal permits.
The statement warned that if authorities fail to act, the organisations would launch peaceful demonstrations, legal actions, and awareness campaigns to protect the land and people of Chokpot.
“Development must never come at the cost of destroying nature,” said Spencer R. Sangma, Secretary of the GSU, who signed the joint appeal.
#Chokpot #SouthGaroHills #CoalMining #UraniumMining #EnvironmentalProtection #Meghalaya #NokrekBiosphere #SaveGaroHills #StopIllegalMining
