Flouting of environment norms by Jaintia Hills-based cement cos
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Opposition on Tuesday demanded that NGOs, environmentalists and civil societies should be included in the joint investigation committee which has been formed to ‘verify’ the findings of a high-level committee (HLC) which had earlier asserted that eight Jaintia Hills-based cement companies have flouted environmental norms and guidelines laid down under the Forest Act, 1980.
The Opposition parties were reacting to an announcement made on the floor of the House by Forest and environment Minister Prestone Tynsong that the joint investigation committee would be headed by Chief Conservator of Forests, CP Marak, and aided by the Additional Principal Conservator of Forests, MoEF.
The Opposition also questioned the necessity behind formation of the joint committee when the HLC in its earlier report had clearly indicated that cement companies were violating the norms.
To this Tynsong said, “The joint committee was formed after the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) on the directive of the Supreme Court informed the Government that the HLC is not authorized to undertake such findings.”
Opposition Leader Conrad K Sangma also came down heavily on Tynsong for his statement that setting up of cement plants have not led to the destruction of the forest and pollution of water bodies.
The Minister however remained non-committal on the issue saying that there was lot of confusion and the Forest department along with the MoEF has taken a decision to properly inspect the areas ‘under conflict’.
“The committee is doing its job,” Tynsong added.
However, Tynsong’s reply did not go down well with the Opposition who accused him of misleading the House.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader also criticized the government for not seeking compensation from cement companies violating the Forest Conservation Act by operating in forest areas including.
“Lafarge was asked by Supreme Court to pay compensation of Rs 182 crore besides corporate social responsibility of Rs 90 against each metric tonnes of limestone mined by the company. If we properly ensure that the compensation is paid by all the companies, the volume of money may cross the Rs 2000-crore amrk,” Conrad said.