Group wants public hearing to set up cement factory cancelled

SHILLONG, Oct 13: The HITO Narpuh Circle has voiced its protest against the proposed public hearing to be conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) on October 18. The hearing is regarding the establishment of a cement factory by Meghatop Cement Pvt Ltd.
Meghatop Cement Pvt Ltd plans to set up an Integrated Cement Plant with a capacity of 3.3 MTPA Clinker, 2.8 MTPA Cement, and a 16MW Waste Heat Recovery System at Wahiajer Narpuh, East Jaintia Hills.
In a letter addressed to the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, Shivansh Awasthi, the HITO Narpuh Circle stated that the organisation opposes such establishments by external companies, arguing that they pose a threat to the economic interests of future generations.
“If non-locals control the region’s commercial activities, it endangers the self-governance of the local population. There are already eight cement factories in East Jaintia Hills, which have caused significant pollution and environmental damage, along with contributing to rising unemployment. The people face enough hardships, and there is no need for more cement factories,” the organisation stated.
The group also raised concerns about the employment of non-locals over locals, particularly at a time when local youth are struggling with unemployment. They argue that the exclusion of locals from these opportunities is a violation of their rights.
“As the years pass, we are witnessing worsening issues such as the scarcity of drinking water during winter, deforestation, water pollution, the spread of diseases, and increasing temperatures. Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the authorities are proceeding with the public hearing for the Meghatop Cement Pvt Ltd, which we strongly oppose. We urge the government to immediately cancel the public hearing,” the organisation warned.