Insta
Environment Ministry Panel Gives Approval To Uranium Mining In MP’s Betul To Boost Energy Security
Swarajya Staff
Aug 19, 2019, 02:29 PM | Updated 02:29 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
After approving Uranium mining in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana, an environment ministry panel has recommended for drilling boreholes for exploration of the Uranium in Betul of Madhya Pradesh citing international geo-political scenario and energy security as the reason, reports The New Indian Express.
According to the report, the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has recommended stage-I approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for search of uranium and minerals by drilling 300 boreholes with 4 inch diameter in an area of 1,650 hectare in Betul in favour of Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
The FAC observed that uranium is a strategic mineral and that the AMD is the sole authority for its exploration and upkeep. After thorough deliberation and discussion with the nodal officer of the state, the FAC recommended the project for approval.
“Considering the current international geo-political scenario and energy security recommended to accord in-principle (Stage-I) approval,” according to minutes of FAC meeting held on 31 July.
However, the blocks where the DAE plans to carry out drilling is inhabited by Gond and Korku tribes, who have been agitating over not being allowed to enter forest area for collecting minor forest produce, which has been their source of living for years.
Earlier last month, the FAC has given approval for the Uranium mining in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana despite opposition from the forest department.
In a bid to expand the nuclear energy output of the country, the DAE is planning 21 new nuclear plants with a total installed capacity of 15,700 megawatt (MW) by 2031.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.