Mining project by Star Cement
SHILLONG: The groups opposing the public hearing to be held on October 19 at Brishyrnot concerning mining expansion by the cement company are determined to prevent the hearing from taking place.
Voices of dissent grew against the proposed setting up of a ‘limestone and shale mining project’ by Star Cement in East Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, the president of the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) central body, Lawyerson War said, “We will not allow the public hearing to take place by hook or by crook”.
He added that they have also discussed the issue with the Hynriew Shnong Wah Lukha Association (association of six villages) who are also up in arms against the public hearing.
Meanwhile, the president of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Narpuh circle, Kwilnis S Suchiang, said that they had met the member secretary of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and also submitted a letter to the Union Ministry of Environment. “The KSU stands with the people who oppose the mining,” he said.
The limestone and shale mining project covers an area over 42.051 ha at Brishynot in East Jaintia Hills under M/s Star Cement Meghalaya Ltd. and Star Cements Ltd.
The anti-mining groups cited the reason behind their opposition by stating that mining in the area is a threat to the Lukha River, the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, human life, flora, fauna and would turn the lush green forests into wastelands.