Editor,
Apropos the letter …. “Changing spots” (ST June 18, 2014), it is to reiterate that the article “NGT Ban:..” by me, in the first part reflects the salient features of the order read out by the NGT bench and is not necessarily my opinion. The writer talks of mining not being “illegal”, mentioned in my article but fails to mention the continuation ” but definitely not in conformity with environment and mining laws of the land”. Further, it is the bench which proclaimed in the ruling clause (XI) “We further direct the Chief Secretary and Secretary, Mining & Geology of the State of Meghalaya to take up the matter with the Secretary, MoEF and the Secretary, Coal, Government of India and finalize the coal mining plan in the State of Meghalaya at the earliest, the law which ought to have been complied with before carrying on the mining activity and the manner in which the mining activity, if at all, could be permitted in the State of Meghalaya”. I had stated in the article that, “Henceforth, all mining activities have to be undertaken after approval…..”. It is up to the NGT to take a call to allow or not and all who are concerned, is free to implead in the case to put forward their viewpoint.
As regards, Kopili river I stand by my observation that the data in the report of the original applicant in the case ought to have been cross checked by NGT before passing an order. And during the last hearing it finally did so from both Central and State Pollution Boards – both of which stated that there is contamination of water. I had also stated that substantive issue is of water contamination. So where is the question of “changing spots”. Our struggle and PIL was primarily responsible in establishing and proving massive deforestation by cement companies in limestone mining areas, catchment and water bodies’ protection etc. There is no changing of spots but only highlighting the actual position of the case. And as regards joining a political party recently, although a matter of individual choice, is also however not based on facts nor related to the case.
Yours etc
Naba Bhattacharjee
Shillong – 4.
Noble thoughts on environment
Editor
I have gone through with interest the letter of P. S Nongsiej , ” From Law u Syiem to Law Kyntang” (ST June 16, 2014) which spelt the need of preserving the Mawpat forest area in Shillong because of the overall health benefit that this green patch has to offer . I am sure that there are many others in Shillong who are of the same opinion though they do not express it in writing. The Mawpat forest came in the news recently when it was reported that the KHADC and the Mylliem Syiemship have jointly declared that this forest would henceforth become a Reserved Forest . As one who has close links with the evolution of this forest area, I remember clearly that this area was once an almost barren area with only sparse trees around. It was the state Soil Conservation Department which some thirty years back took the challenge to reforest the huge area on a lease agreement with the Mylliem Syiemship which owned the land. The hard work and sincerity of the officials of the Soil Conservation Department then paid dividends as the barren area is now a lush green forest when the Department returned the land to the Mylliem Syiemship after the end of the lease period. I remember late David Marbaniang, an officer of the Department who took much pain and effort to ensure survival of the seedlings in the initial years of planting through frequent inspection and visits to the area and providing sound technical guidance and encouragement to the field functionaries . I am sure that if he is alive now he would be the proudest man to see Mawpat forest as it is now in all its glory. Nevertheless, the forest is a living memory of the man. Other officers of the Department like K.R. Cajee and K.L. Tariang also contributed a lot for the success of the forest plantation . It is rather strange however that the Department has not taken up such activities in recent years.
The decision to convert the Mawpat Forest into a reserved forest is a noble idea as such green belts close to Shillong means healthier surroundings for its citizens. We owe it to those people who once gave much of their time to establish such a green belt and we also owe it to those who today spare a thought for us and our well-being and also that of generations to come.
Yours etc.,
D Syiemlieh,
Via email