By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 18: Reiterating concerns over environmental, health, and livelihood impacts, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has opposed the proposed cement manufacturing plant at Daistong village under Elaka Nongkhlieh in East Jaintia Hills, ahead of a public hearing scheduled by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB).
The public hearing is slated for December 19, 2025, in Daistong village. The project involves the setting up of a new cement plant by M/S Shree Cement Plant Limited, with a proposed production capacity of 0.95 million tonnes per annum (TPA) of clinker and 0.99 million TPA of cement. The project also includes a 15 MW captive power plant, a 7 MW Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS), and diesel generator sets.
Ahead of the hearing, the KSU East Jaintia Hills District Unit visited Daistong on Wednesday to conduct an awareness drive among local residents on opposing the project. According to the union, its members were initially prevented from holding the awareness meeting by residents supporting the proposed plant. Following protests by the KSU along with villagers opposing the project, the meeting was later held at an alternative location and proceeded peacefully.
Earlier, on December 17, the KSU Khliehriat Circle distributed pamphlets across Elaka Nongkhlieh to inform residents about the potential environmental degradation, land-related issues, health risks, and impacts on agriculture and livelihoods linked to the proposed cement plant.
The KSU stated that the awareness initiatives were aimed at ensuring that residents are informed ahead of the MSPCB public hearing on the project.
