SHILLONG: The meeting between Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and representatives of the Jaintia National Council (JNC), Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), alongside the residents of Daistong village, has ended in a stalemate.
The meeting was convened to discuss the escalating public opposition against the proposed public hearing for the limestone mining project by Shree Cement factory.
During the deliberations, the leaders of the pressure groups submitted a formal memorandum outlining their stiff opposition.
In response, the Deputy Chief Minister assured that the state government would thoroughly examine all complaints and alleged illegalities before taking any definitive action or final decision on the matter.
Following the meeting, JNC President Sambormi Lyngdoh briefed media persons and termed the discussion unfruitful.
Lyngdoh stated that the Deputy Chief Minister expressed his inability to take an immediate decision on his own, noting that he would have to discuss the matter thoroughly with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma first.
The pressure group leaders explicitly highlighted that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared by Shree Cement is illegal as it allegedly failed to comply with standard guidelines and procedures.
They strongly urged the Deputy Chief Minister to immediately put the upcoming Public Hearing on hold so that the government can conduct a meticulous scrutiny of the project, further accusing Shree Cement of misleading the state government.
Furthermore, the leaders expressed deep concern over the alleged deployment of goons or “gangs” by the cement factory owners during a recent public hearing for setting up the cement plant in Daistong.
They alleged that the presence of these elements completely deprived the local indigenous residents of an opportunity to participate in the proceedings.
The delegation demanded that the government must maintain peace and order so that the local public is granted a fair opportunity to voice their concerns properly, warning that the proposed limestone mining would severely damage local agricultural lands, a renowned cave in the area, and the Liteiñ River.
The leaders also raised critical questions as to why Lumsyrman is being projected and designated as a village when it is merely a hill, demanding an official clarification on when and by whom the No Objection Certificate (NOC) was issued for this.
Reminding the government of their past agitations against this indifferent attitude, the groups warned that if the government adamantly goes ahead with the public hearing, it will clearly signal that the factory belongs to political insiders whom the government is trying to shield using muscle power.
On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar clarified to the media that the state government will meticulously review every single grievance brought forward by the JNC, JSU, and the residents of Daistong regarding the public hearing and the limestone mining project before arriving at a final conclusion.
Dhar mentioned that having heard the views of the public, he will inspect the matter closely, but added that he cannot abruptly state whether the process will be halted or allowed to proceed without first examining every clause and regulation.
He further informed that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma is currently out of Shillong, and the matter will be taken up for discussion as soon as the Chief Minister returns.
The Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that the grievances raised by the pressure groups primarily pertain to environmental clearance, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department.
Since the Forest portfolio is currently held by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Dhar emphasized that a joint discussion is necessary, assuring that the government will thoroughly investigate whether all mandatory legal clauses and criteria have been met before finalizing its decision.
