By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 2: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has formally written to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) urging the Centre to halt and cancel all processes connected to the proposed Shree Cement Integrated Cement Plant at Daistong in East Jaintia Hills.
In its communication, HITO informed the Ministry that the project poses an irreversible risk to the agricultural landscape of the area, particularly the paddy fields and community water sources that sustain local livelihood systems. It said the proposal raises serious concerns about air quality, heavy water extraction and the permanent shift of fertile land into industrial use.
The organisation stressed that the project does not align with the environmental conditions of Daistong or with the traditional agrarian practices followed by the indigenous population. HITO argued that the proximity of the proposed plant — between 0.82 km and 1.4 km from Daistong — places the village directly in the zone of impact.
Alongside its objections, HITO questioned the role of the Single Window Agency (SWA), stating that the agency appeared to have cleared the project without adequately assessing environmental and livelihood issues raised by the community.
The organisation said it was not opposed to development but opposed activities that could cause lasting harm while being presented as progress. It cautioned that any attempt to advance the project would face organised, lawful and sustained public resistance.
