By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 14: While reiterating that infrastructure growth is necessary, Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon on Tuesday said development projects must not be pursued at the cost of the environment, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas, and welcomed the revised proposal for the Shillong-Silchar High Speed Corridor.
Syngkon reminded that he had written to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, airing concern over the earlier proposal, which envisaged taking land near the Experimental Botanical Garden under the Botanical Survey of India. He pointed out that the garden houses around 1,200 plant species, including several indigenous and endangered varieties.
Welcoming the revised design, the MP said the new proposal for the trumpet interchange near Umiam has formally ensured that no land will be acquired from the Experimental Botanical Garden. He said this addressed the primary environmental concern raised in his representation and reflected a more responsible approach to infrastructure planning.
Syngkon said his letter had stressed that forest land, agricultural land, natural water sources and other ecological assets should not be disturbed in the process of development, and that environmental protection must remain a key consideration even as projects move forward.
The Shillong MP said the response from the Ministry and the adoption of the revised design indicated that the concerns raised were taken into account.
Describing the development as a step in the right direction, the MP reiterated that development is welcome, but must proceed with due respect for nature and the protection of ecosystems that have no voice.
