Violation of environmental norms
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 14: Shillong MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon has vowed to continue his fight against companies allegedly flouting environmental norms while executing major development works in Meghalaya.
The Voice of the People Party leader, who has consistently highlighted the indiscriminate dumping of debris along riversides and agricultural lands during road construction, said the government must act before damage becomes irreversible.
“The government should be proactive and not wait for things to happen. I am going to raise this in Delhi. I am hearing that some new projects are coming up. If this is the picture of development, we need to sit down and think,” Syngkon stated.
He questioned the idea of development that undermines ecology and livelihoods.
“What is the need for development that costs environment, ecology and livelihood? It is better to have the old road and maintain it than to lose everything and destroy the future of our children. I am deeply pained and concerned,” he said.
Referring to the Rs 15 lakh fine imposed on the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board for dumping debris that polluted the Umngot river which is a major tourist attraction, Syngkon said, “I would say the imposition of the fine is a clear indication that the company executing the project has failed.”
He criticised departments responsible for oversight, questioning their preparedness and response. “What have some departments responsible for monitoring the work actually done? Why do we have to wait till everything is wrong and then take corrective measures?” the MP asked.
He said the NHIDCL has also failed or else, the problem would not have occurred. “They have seen how earth is being dumped rampantly along the sides and how the rain washes the debris into the river,” he said.
He felt that the penalty imposed on the NHIDCL was inadequate, saying, “The Rs 15 lakh fine is nothing compared to the damage done to the environment and the livelihoods of those affected.”
Syngkon alleges govt dilly-dally on airport expansion
In a blunt indictment of the state government’s approach to airport development, Syngkon questioned the government’s seriousness after its representatives failed to attend a key committee meeting.
The VPP MP is the Chairman of the Airport Advisory Committee.
He said the absence of state officials has left the committee completely in the dark on the most crucial aspect of the expansion plan — land acquisition.
“Recently there was a meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee, but no representative from the state government attended it. So we do not know the status of the land acquisition,” he said.
He stressed that expansion cannot move an inch without clarity on whether the land has been handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
“How can they go for expansion when we do not even know the status — whether they have handed over the land to AAI or not?” he asked.
Calling the situation unacceptable, Syngkon said the committee may be advisory in nature, but the state government’s absence spoke volumes.
He said the government’s non-attendance raises fundamental doubts about its intent.
“Is the government really serious about expanding the airport?” he questioned.
