Residents record statement on new cement plan
JOWAI: An enquiry team sent by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOeF), Government of India, on Thursday visited Umlong village under Rymbai Elaka in East Jaintia Hills District to conduct an enquiry on the proposal of the Nilanchaal Cement Limited to set up a one-million metric ton cement plant and 30 MW captive power plant.
The Enquiry team comprised of the Additional Principal Chief Conservation of Forest, N-E Regional office, MoEF, Govt of India, Dr. Anil Kumar, Chief Conservation of Forest (CCF), CP Marak and the Jaintia Hills District Forest Officer, PK Agrahari.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills, CS Laloo along with his subordinate officer, representatives from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), members of village Council, leaders of the All Jaintia Youth Welfare Organisation (AJYWO) besides residents of Umlong village were also present and recorded their statements before the enquiry team.
Speaking to media persons, Marak informed that due to strong protests of the AJYWO, they have written both to the Ministry of the Environment and forest and the Ministry has directed both the State government and also the Regional Office of the MEoF to conduct a hearing. AJYWO president, MH Dkhar informed that since the proposed Cement plant was in the forest area violating the forest Act and also environment norms they would continue to protest the proposed setting up of a cement plant in the area.
One of the residents of Umlong village, Rinaroi Bareh, informed that the decision to allow the Nilanchaal Cement Private Limited (NCPL) to set up its cement plant in Umlong village is not with the concern of the villagers.