The Meghalaya cabinet on Monday approved lease of land to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) for 30 years in the uranium-rich West Khasi Hills district for “pre-project” developmental works. "This is only for pre-project developmental work to provide better educational institutions, hospitals and roads and other infrastructure to the people and we have agreed to allow that the land be released for 30 years covering 422 hectares," Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang said. The MUA government has decided to take a decision on mining only after taking all aspects into consideration. This pre-project development is to create a conducive atmosphere so that people do not oppose uranium mining.