India, Oct. 23 -- The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has passed a resolution opposing a controversial government directive that eliminates the requirement for public consultations before uranium mining in tribal areas.

Council members voiced concern over a memorandum issued in September by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which exempts mining projects involving atomic minerals, including uranium, from mandatory public hearings.

The directive covers minerals listed under the amended Mines and Minerals Act of 2023 and aims to speed up approvals for resources the government considers critical and strategic.

During the council session on October 22, Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh present...