By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 10: Residents of Rwiang village under Myriaw-Rambrai Syiemship in West Khasi Hills on Wednesday expressed strong resentment over the alleged failure to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was supposed to govern the functioning of the Shree Shakambari Ferro Alloys Pvt. Ltd. factory in the area.
Speaking to reporters, one of the villagers, Dilstar Tyrsa, said that although discussions were held and the Sordar of Rwiang had accepted the draft MoU shortly after the factory was allowed to resume operations in July 2025, no formal signing ever took place between the village authorities and representatives of the company.
The factory had earlier been shut down following widespread allegations of improper disposal of fly ash, which residents said caused serious harm to both the community and the nearby Rwiang river.
After intervention by the West Khasi Hills district administration, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, and village leaders, the factory was reopened on the condition that an MoU would be prepared to safeguard public and environmental interests.
Villagers have now expressed shock that the MoU remains nonexistent. They also claimed that some individuals misled them by discarding the recommendations submitted by the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA), which had earlier supported the community during the dispute.
Tyrsa urged the Association to renew its support, stressing that residents felt betrayed by those who misinformed them about the status of the MoU.
He further alleged that the company failed to uphold key commitments, including maintaining environmental cleanliness, providing employment to local residents and respecting other agreed terms. Some villagers who had been employed by the factory were reportedly removed from their jobs without reason.
According to him, the situation has left the community deeply concerned about the lack of accountability from both the factory management and local authorities, and he called for immediate action to ensure that the promised MoU is properly executed.
It may be mentioned that the MoU, which was never signed, was intended to outline the terms and conditions of the agreement between the Dorbar Shnong Riwiang Village and the company for the development and support of a school, health centre and employment opportunities for the local youths of Rwiang and West Khasi Hills at large.
