SHILLONG: Residents of Daistong village in Meghalaya have strongly opposed the Public Hearing conducted in connection with the proposed cement plant of Shree Cement Limited. The villagers have submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Union Environment Minister, demanding that the Public Hearing be cancelled.
Addressing the media, Bunlang Pyrngap, a resident of Daistong, alleged that the controversy began when the company sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Dorbar Shnong. He claimed that although several discussions were held, village leaders failed to properly inform residents or allow detailed public debate before granting the NOC. According to him, the decision went against Dorbar resolutions, triggering strong opposition.
Residents have also objected to the NOC issued by the former Rangbah Shnong and secretary, and have lodged complaints with the Deputy Commissioner and the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board.
Pyrngap further alleged that the Public Hearing was conducted unfairly, as many villagers were prevented from entering the venue and denied the opportunity to voice their concerns. He said residents have now sought government intervention to ensure transparency and justice.
Social activist Reachingson Siangshai stated that opposition to the project was expressed both before and after the Public Hearing, but authorities allegedly failed to respond. He claimed the NOC was granted without the knowledge of the majority of residents and that only a few individuals were aware of the agreement signed with the company.
He informed that memoranda have been submitted to the Prime Minister, Amit Shah, senior officials of the concerned Ministry, Shillong MP Ricky Syngkon, and the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission. The group has also handed over the memorandum to Charles Pyngrope, requesting him to forward it to the Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma and leaders of the Voice of the People Party (VPP).
Among the major concerns raised are the proximity of the proposed factory site to the Laitprah and Labit caves—considered among the longest cave systems in Asia—the presence of agricultural land and water sources nearby, and the recent discovery of a rare fish species in the area. The memorandum also questions the alleged violation of the Land Transfer Act in a land transaction involving a non-tribal individual.
Siangshai further alleged that only supporters of the project were allowed to participate in the Public Hearing, while others were blocked from entering. Despite the situation being visible to officials present, he claimed no corrective action was taken.
The villagers are now awaiting a response from the Union government and hope the issue will be raised in Parliament. They also alleged that preliminary development activities have already begun at the proposed site and warned that if authorities fail to halt the project, residents may take steps to stop the construction themselves.
