By Our Reporter
Shillong: The Meghalaya State Pollution Board (MPSCB) will conduct a public hearing on a proposal of the Cement Manufacturing Company Limited (CMCL) to acquire more land for mining of limestone in Lumshnong area in Jaintia Hills.
The public hearing assumes significance in the context that degradation of the environment in Jaintia Hills from mining-related activities has been an issue in the ongoing Budget Session. The issue has been taken up by members from both the Treasury and Opposition benches.
The public hearing on the proposal of the CMCL to acquire 70 hectares of land at Lumshnong for limestone mining coincides with the final day of the Budget Session on March 23.
While announcing the public hearing, MSPCB has stated that CMCL has sought permission from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests for the same.
However, the cement company’s proposal has already begun facing opposition from the Jaintia Youth Federation (JYF) Narpuh Circle.
The JYF has also urged the residents of Lumshnong under Elaka Narpuh not to be misguided or be lured by offer of monetary benefits by the company.