Brichyrnot community backs EJH limestone mining in amid dissent

KHLIEHRIAT, Oct 8: The proposed Brichyrnot Limestone Deposit-II, spanning around 65 hectares in Brichyrnot village, East Jaintia Hills, received solid support from the local community, during an Environmental Public Hearing held by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) on Tuesday.
The mining project, led by M/S Star Cement Limited, is located just 500 metres from Brichyrnot village and 2 kilometers from the eco-sensitive zone of the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Despite concerns raised by environmental groups, the hearing concluded with overwhelming support from the Brichyrnot community for the limestone mining project.
Key local leaders, including Brichyrnot headman Stanly Massar, general secretary Tariang Massar and representatives from nearby villages such as Friendly Nongtdu of Pandare village and former MDC Desus Pohshna from Ratacherra, voiced their endorsement of the mining operations.
However, not all stakeholders shared the same sentiment.
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Narpuh Circle, strongly opposed the project.
KSU Narpuh Circle president K Suchiang raised concerns about the potential damage to water sources, rivers, forests and the broader environment due to mining activities.
Bythygrace Dkhar, a resident of Moolamanoh village, echoed these worries, emphasising the environmental risks that could accompany the project.
In total, 129 people participated in the public hearing, which was attended by East Jaintia Hills ADC G Warjri and conducted by the Environmental Engineer of the MSPCB, YF Laloo, along with other board members and representatives from M/S Star Cement.
The outcome reflects a clear divide between the local community’s economic aspirations and the environmental concerns of activist groups, setting the stage for further discussions on the future of the project.