Villagers to give up Assam EPIC

SHILLONG: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) central body has opposed the state government’s move to call a public hearing again on January 30 at Brichyrnot, EJH, for the proposed limestone mining by Star Cement, Meghalaya Ltd.
In a statement issued here, the JSU said that they oppose the limestone mining at Brichyrnot as the land is adjacent to Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary (which is 1.5 km away from the mining site). The Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) is also 0.25 km away from the sanctuary.
It may be mentioned that last year, local residents from various villages under Narpuh Elaka prevented the public hearing on cement plants.
JSU president Lawyerson War accused the government of destroying the environment, asserting that the cement companies will ravage the forest covers in the district and consequently, the rivers Lukha and Lunar will be affected.
He criticised the MDA government by reminding it that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on October 2 took an oath to not destroy the environment but to protect it.
War said that the Brichyrnot land is looked upon as a unique place environment-wise and it should be protected from man-made destruction.
He also said that the union extends support to the six villages under Narpuh Elaka, who are also opposing the limestone mining and destruction of environment at the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary.
He said that the poisonous chemicals flowing from the cement plants have affected the Lukha River which has, of late, turned blue again.