By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 28: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) on Monday submitted a petition to the Deputy Inspector of Forests, Ministry of Environment and Forest, LG Syiemiong, seeking clarification on delayed actions against erring cement companies operating in East Jaintia Hills.
Speaking to reporters after submitting the petition, HITO president Donbok Dkhar highlighted findings from the Joint Inspection Team (JIT), which was established under a Supreme Court directive. According to the JIT, nearly 50% of the land occupied by nine cement plants in Meghalaya is classified as forest land.
Dkhar pointed out that no actions have been initiated against these cement factories, despite the JIT’s findings. In the petition, Dkhar detailed that the JIT’s comprehensive report revealed that the land acquired by the cement companies covers approximately 838.03 hectares of forest land, 1,253.98 hectares of non-forest land, and an additional 57.56 hectares classified as unresolved. He noted that the first JIT was unable to inspect the remaining 1,140.43 hectares of land, raising questions about the assessment’s thoroughness.
He further noted that the nine cement companies collectively claim a total land area of around 3,292 hectares, some of which are either already acquired or in the process of acquisition.
“Of this total, the first Joint Inspection Team inspected about 2,150 hectares, determining that over 838 hectares were forest land, 1,254 hectares were non-forest, and approximately 57.56 hectares remained unresolved,” Dkhar said.
He added that a second Joint Inspection Team was assigned to inspect the remaining 1,140.43 hectares belonging to five companies and to resolve the disputed classification of the 57.56 hectares associated with Meghalaya Cement Limited (TopCEM).
“Unfortunately, M/S JUDCL did not permit the inspection of 272.537 hectares, and M/S MCL withdrew 84.72 hectares from inspection at the last minute, citing objections from local stakeholders,” he noted.
The HITO president reported that the second JIT ultimately resolved the status of the 57.56 hectares, concluding that 6 hectares were forest land while 51.57 hectares were non-forest.
“Additionally, the team inspected 753.34 hectares, identifying 72.48 hectares as forest land and 679.06 hectares as non-forest. Overall, the inspections reveal a troubling situation — more than 50% of the total land held by these nine cement companies consists of forest land,” Dkhar said.
Dkhar emphasised that the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council lacks proper documentation for village and community forests, which make up a significant portion of the area’s natural woodlands.
He explained that despite this lack of documentation, the Council has issued certificates for various land parcels that are not officially recognised as forests in JHADC records, thus overlooking their ecological significance.
“In light of these findings, we would like to know if your office acknowledges the gravity of this situation. Moreover, we question whether the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change might oppose granting environmental clearance for a cement factory within a residential area,” he stated.
Dkhar expressed concern over the significant adverse environmental impacts associated with such operations, which raise serious public health concerns. “Emissions from cement factories including high levels of dust, particulate matter, and harmful gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, pose serious risks to air quality and may lead to respiratory issues for nearby residents,” he explained.
“In conclusion, we wish to draw your attention to the Constitutional framework, particularly Article 21, which states that any threat to fundamental environmental elements such as air, water, and soil jeopardises life itself,” Dkhar asserted.
He noted that the courts have upheld violations of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, under the same Article. Articles 21, 48-A, and 51-A(g) of the Constitution affirm the right to a healthy, pollution-free environment, emphasising the state’s obligation and each citizen’s duty to safeguard and enhance the natural environment.