SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Monday met the Member Secretary of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), Dr G.H. Chyrmang, and urged the Board to suspend the scheduled public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement Integrated Cement Plant at Daistong in East Jaintia Hills.
The public hearing is slated to be held on December 19 at Daistong.
Addressing the media, General Secretary of KSU East Jaintia Hills, K.S. Suchiang, said the organisation has raised several objections to the proposed hearing, with the primary concern being an alleged violation of the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act, 1972.
Suchiang alleged that a local landowner had illegally sold land to a non-local individual, an act that contravenes provisions of the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act. He questioned how the MSPCB could proceed with the public hearing when the issue of the alleged illegal land transaction remains unresolved.
He further maintained that the purchase of land by outsiders poses a serious concern not only for Daistong village and East Jaintia Hills district but for the entire state. The KSU leader alleged that such transactions indicate the existence of benami dealings, allegedly being allowed by the government.
“The government framed the law to protect indigenous land rights, but it now appears that the law itself is being violated,” Suchiang said.
He also pointed out that nearly 80 to 90 per cent of Daistong’s residents are farmers and warned that the establishment of the cement plant would have a severe impact on agricultural land and the livelihood of local residents.
Topics:
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