NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests on Friday rejected the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) proposal for exploratory drilling for uranium in Balpakram National Park in Meghalaya after stiff opposition from various quarters. The decision to reject the mining proposal of the DAE was taken at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board on Wildlife (NBWL) headed by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh here. "After a detailed discussion, the Board decided to reject the proposal for exploratory drilling for uranium in Rongcheng Plateau in Balpakram National Park in South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya," Mr Ramesh said. The minister added that the NBWL took the decision after considering the sentiments of the local people and a number of representations received from local civil society groups, even though it was also felt that the country urgently needs to augment domestic uranium supplies. Based on the report prepared by one of its members, Asad Rahmani of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the Board refused permission for uranium mining and also decided to ask the Meghalaya government to ban all mining and road construction activities within the park perimeter. The report has also recommended strict regulation of all coal mines in Garo Hills and other parts of the State and implementation of proper mining plans to ensure that local people avail the greatest benefit from mining, the official of the environment ministry said. It may be reminded that the DAE proposal to to denotify an area of 8.0 square km in Rongcheng plateau of Balpakram National Park in South Garo Hills received stiff opposition from various quarters like the Garo Students' Union (GSU), the Garo Hills Anti Mining Forum (GHAMF) and the Khasi Students' Union (KSU). Our Reporter adds: Meanwhile, the GHAMF has hailed the decision of the NBWL to reject the DAE proposal for exploratory drilling for uranium in Balpakram National Park. The GHAMF, while commending the environment minister for taking a positive stand on the issue, also condemned the Chief Wildlife Conservator of Meghalaya for acting in haste in clearing the project without ascertaining either the ecological implications of the project or the mood of the people. (Agencies)