SHILLONG: Lok Sabha MP from Shillong Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon has urged the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to immediately suspend the Environmental Clearance (EC) process for the proposed integrated cement plant of Shree Cement Limited at Daistong village in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.
In an official letter dated February 11, 2026, addressed to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Syngkon sought the immediate suspension of all ongoing clearance proceedings, citing serious procedural, environmental, and constitutional concerns.
According to the communication, the proposed project includes a clinker unit, cement manufacturing unit, captive power plant, waste heat recovery system, and allied infrastructure spread over more than 25 hectares. The MP warned that the large-scale industrial intervention could significantly aggravate cumulative environmental stress in the district.
Syngkon highlighted that East Jaintia Hills already hosts multiple extractive and industrial activities and stressed that any new clearance must be preceded by a comprehensive cumulative impact assessment, particularly on air quality, groundwater, river systems, agricultural land, and forest cover.
Raising concerns over the Public Hearing process, the MP referred to representations from local residents alleging obstruction, intimidation, and restricted access during consultations. He stated that failure to ensure free and meaningful participation undermines the integrity of environmental governance.
The letter also drew attention to Sixth Schedule protections and land safeguard laws, including the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971. Syngkon emphasised that any ambiguity in land ownership and No Objection Certificate (NOC) procedures could lead to constitutional complications and social unrest.
Invoking Article 21 of the Constitution, he noted that environmental protection and livelihood security are integral to the right to life and must be reflected in all clearance decisions.
In his formal request, the MP called for immediate suspension of EC processing, an independent review of the Public Hearing, fresh cumulative environmental impact assessment, verification of land and tribal safeguards and no final clearance until findings are placed on record.
Syngkon further stated that if the matter proceeds without satisfactory review, he may pursue appropriate parliamentary and institutional remedies. He urged the Ministry to treat the issue with urgency in keeping with constitutional obligations and environmental stewardship.
The letter comes amid growing public opposition to the proposed cement plant in East Jaintia Hills, with villagers and civil society groups raising concerns over environmental degradation, land rights, and transparency in clearance procedures.
