From Our Correspondent
JOWAI, Oct 10: Three organisations — the Jaintia Women Council (JWC), the United Youth Organisation (UYO), and the All Jaintia Environment Organisation — submitted a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills on Thursday, expressing their strong opposition to the proposed establishment of a new cement factory, Meghatop Cement Pvt. Ltd., at Wahiajer village, West Jaintia Hills. They also objected to the public hearing scheduled for October 18 to be organised by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB).
Their opposition is based on serious environmental concerns. Currently, 10 cement factories are operating in the Elaka Narpuh region of East Jaintia Hills, which have already contributed to significant pollution, affecting local water bodies such as the Lunar and Lukha Rivers. The area includes ecologically sensitive zones, including the Narpuh Reserved Forest and nearby wildlife sanctuaries. The cumulative environmental damage is clear, and adding another factory would only worsen the situation.
Residents are already suffering from health hazards due to noise and air pollution from the existing factories, while river contamination continues to threaten both human and animal life.
Additionally, the local population faces ongoing challenges, as the presence of these factories has led to little meaningful job creation or infrastructure development. The community continues to suffer, while the factories operate with little accountability. “We urge the government to take decisive action against these factories if they do not provide 100% employment to local youth and address the unfair pricing of cement in the district,” the letter stated.
