Demand for jobs, hospital at public hearing on airport project

SHILLONG: A public hearing on environment in connection with the proposed expansion of runway and allied works at Shillong airport was conducted at Umroi village on Wednesday by the Airports Authority of India to record views for consideration by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change.
Most of the people who were invited to speak asserted that they have no objection to the proposed expansion. However, many of them wanted safe road, hospital and first preference to local educated youths for employment.
The hearing was presided over by D Phawa, additional deputy commissioner of Ri Bhoi. WR Kharkrang, environmental engineer at the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), was also present.
Kharkrang said the objective of the hearing is to solicit and record the opinions, comments or objections of people residing in the adjoining areas of the project site.
Further, he explained that the public hearing is part of the environmental clearance process and that “no decision will be taken during the hearing as its role is strictly confined to recording of opinions, discussions and suggestions submitted in writing or orally so that the same can be submitted to the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change”.
The ministry will examine the views while processing the application for clearance.