By HH Mohrmen
How many cement plants do we really need in Meghalaya? When will it be enough? Where else would you find eight cement plants concentrated within a radius of less than 10 kilometers? Alongside these cement plants, coke factories are also mushrooming in the region. What plans does the government have for this area? How sustainable is it to allow an unchecked proliferation of cement plants and coke factories? Can the government continue permitting companies to set up operations in the region at their own whims and fancies?
The Story of Cement Plants in the Region
In Jaintia Hills, the establishment of cement plants began with Jaintia Cement in the Sutnga area, promoted by a former politician. Soon, larger companies like Star Cement entered the Narpuh area, also backed by a politician. Cement plants continued to spring up without regard for the environmental damage they might cause. The first cement plant in Narpuh-Myndihati was Star Cement, followed by Topcem, Adhunik (later acquired by Dalmia), Goldstone Cements Limited (Black Tiger brand), JUD Cements at Wahiajer, Hills Cement at Myndihati, Maxx (Green Valley’s brand) at Nongsning, and now MeghaTop at Wahiajer, which is currently seeking clearance.
Star Cement began with the slogan “Solid Setting,” and it’s now the largest producer of both cement and clinker. A glance at the company’s website reveals that Star Cement produces more cement at its plants outside Meghalaya than at its Lumshnong plant. The raw materials extracted from Narpuh are used to produce clinker, which is then transported to plants outside the state. This raises the question: Is Meghalaya losing revenue since the final cement products are manufactured outside the state? Are our politicians even aware of the situation?
How Star Cement Grew
According to its website, Star Cement (CMCL) has grown rapidly. From one plant at Lumshnong, it now has two more plants outside the state, producing more cement than the Lumshnong plant. The company claims to be the fastest-growing cement brand in West Bengal and Bihar, with a 1.67 million-tonne-per-annum integrated cement plant in Lumshnong and additional grinding units at Sonapur, near Guwahati, and Mohitnagar, near Siliguri, West Bengal, its combined production capacity is approximately 5.7 million tonnes per annum.
Topcem’s Expansion
Meghalaya Cements Ltd, which promotes the Topcem brand, is based in Thangskai village, East Jaintia Hills. It began operations in 2006 with a production capacity of 900 tonnes per day, later expanded to 2,600 tonnes per day of clinker and 4,600 tonnes per day of cement. A new grinding unit named Topcem India was established in Guwahati, Assam, in 2011, with a dedicated 10 MW power plant to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Dalmia’s Acquisition of Adhunik Cement
Dalmia Cement (Meghalaya) Limited entered the market in Meghalaya by acquiring Adhunik Cement. Dalmia, incorporated in 2006, now operates as a significant player in manufacturing metals and chemicals. Its registered office is in Shillong, yet data on cement production capacity is unavailable. These are some of the major players in the region, indicating that the state is a major producer of cement in the eastern region, if not the country.
Total Cement Production in Meghalaya
Only the major players are highlighted here, and aside from Star, we do not have information about the production capacity of other plants operating in the region. The question is, do we have data on the total cement and clinker production from all these plants in Meghalaya? What is the amount of limestone, coal, clay, and other resources being used? Why can’t the government compel these companies to share their profit and loss statements with the government or the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), if not with the public? They are using our natural resources, and we have the right to know how much they have benefitted and contributed to the state economy.
Environmental Concerns
Companies may claim that they cause no harm to the environment, but the public needs to know that Lumshnong, known for the famous Krem Kotsati Umlawan cave—one of India’s longest caves—has been affected. What is the current condition of Krem Kotsati Umlawan? Is it still safe to enter? That is the million-dollar question.
When Adhunik began operations, the plant’s location was initially a water source for the Lumshnong community. Although there was initial protest, locals later withdrew it, and the company arranged tanker-supplied water for the village. Star Cement claims to have initiated a biodiversity project in collaboration with the State Forest Department, yet details of these conservation efforts remain vague, with no specific mention of the villages that benefited from these projects.
Mining in the area has also had a drastic impact on the forests, streams, and rivers in the region, with blame falling squarely on the government for lacking a proper plan for the region.
An Undeclared, Unplanned SEZ
Narpuh is transforming into an unofficial Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Meghalaya. These cement plants emerged without adequate planning, disregarding the region’s seismic category 5 status. Effluents from the plants and mining areas are discharged into nearby streams and rivers, creating environmental hazards. During winter, dust from the plants coats the surrounding area, covering homes and vegetation alike. Despite the number of cement plants in the area, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board is yet to install systems to measure and monitor air quality. Without proper planning and monitoring, Meghalaya is turning this region into an uninhabitable space.
Impact on the Local Community
One might ask, how have these cement plants benefited the local community? Much of the land is now owned, directly or indirectly, by these companies, including mineral-rich land leased by individuals and communities. Churches and communities receive cement subsidies for their construction projects, and companies often sponsor events and church gatherings. A recent development where the church leases its mineral-rich land to a company presents a classic Biblical dilemma, as mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels: “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” Now the church doesn’t even seem to care to draw a line anymore.
During a visit to a cement plant years ago, I asked the manager about local youth employment, to which he replied, “Your people do not have an industrial culture.” While there may be some truth to this, if these companies truly wish to uplift the local community, they could initiate programs for apprenticeships, industrial training, and even internships to help them.
Meghalaya’s Cement Plants and State Development
Despite the presence of these companies, local communities receive limited benefits. The major disadvantage is that most corporate offices of these companies are located outside the state. If the corporate offices were located in Shillong, Jowai, or Khliehriat, many young people would gain employment, but the companies seem solely interested in exploiting resources. Employment in the plants is also limited. Again, what percentage of local people are employed in the plants? It would be interesting to know the total workforce engaged by all companies in their plants.
The limited interest of cement companies in providing local employment is evident as Star Cement even manages its transportation needs through its fleet of trucks, restricting local transport opportunities.
Perhaps it’s time for the CAG to audit these companies and evaluate whether they operate fairly and sustainably. The other pertinent question is: does the state government monitor these companies’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending?
CSR: The Companies’ Responsibility to the Region
What CSR contributions have these companies made? Some provide student support and limited agricultural training, but not all. The local population has lost land and precious natural resources to these companies, and there seems to be no long-term plan from the companies to support sustainable livelihoods. If the companies do not have such a plan, does it mean that once the resources are exhausted, they will simply leave, abandoning the land and its people?
The smoke and dust produced by these companies will likely impact public health. What steps have the companies taken to minimize this damage? Considering the number of cement plants in one area, what prevents them from establishing a state-of-the-art hospital in the region? Many residents may eventually suffer from industrial and mining-related ailments. Why can’t the government compel these companies to at least upgrade and install essential medical facilities at Khliehriat CHC? What is the point of claiming to be number one in East India, when you have done precious little for the area that have helped you reach that distinction and honour?
Threat to Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary
Most land near the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, from Brichyrnot to Lumshnong, is classified as unclassified forest, according to an RTI reply from the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council. In fact Brichyrnot was a very recent village. However, encroachment has increased from both the Narpuh and Saipung sides, impacting the region’s only sub-tropical rainforest. With cement plants mushrooming in the Narpuh area and encroachment on the other side, how can the government protect the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary? How many more cement plants do we need in the Narpuh area? This is a question the Government needs to answer. Or is the Government bent on destroying the region altogether?