By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The proposed limestone mining of Adhunik Cements Ltd (ACL) at Umsoo-Mootang, Thangskai at Jaintia Hills has invited much criticism from the FKJGP Narpuh Circle citing that the proposed project will have an adverse impact on the local ecology and environment.
In a release issued here on Monday, the organisation has expressed their strong opposition and objection to the proposed limestone mining project over an area of 128.52 hectares.
President of FKJGP Narpuh Circle Alprins Dkhar said as witnessed, there has been large scale murder of environment by the presence of cement factories and unscientific coal mining in Jaintia Hills and implementation of the proposed project will further add to this.
It may be reminded that the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) recently convened a public hearing at Thangskai and it was learnt that a section of people have voiced their support to the project.
“Their support was not based on environmental knowledge of the impact the project would have on the environment”, added Dkhar.
The organisation has also pointed out that if mining is carried out in this area, it will pose a threat to the rivers and drinking water of the local people saying that many perennial streams are present in and around the proposed mining site.
“We fear that the solid waste from the mining will flow to the rivers and streams rendering them unusable even for washing purposes”, Dkhar stated.
The organisation has urged the MSPCB to refrain from granting any clearance for the proposed limestone project of Adhunik Cements Ltd (ACL) in the larger interest of the environment and human health.