By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 21: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Thursday rejected allegations that the government is attempting to push through the proposed Shree Cement limestone mining project at Lum Syrman in East Jaintia Hills district by force.
He told media persons that Friday’s public hearing itself reflected a transparent and consultative approach.
He said the purpose of the public hearing was to allow local residents and stakeholders to openly express their opinions on the project. According to him, opposing the hearing itself defeats the very objective of public consultation mandated under environmental regulations.
Tynsong stated that if the government had intended to impose the project forcibly, there would have been no public hearing process at all.
Stating that the administration has nothing to hide on the matter, he said the government remained open to dialogue whenever misunderstandings arise.
He stressed that objections should be raised through the official mechanism specifically created for hearing public concerns, pointing out that the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board is legally required to conduct such hearings before projects of this nature can proceed further.
Urging groups opposing the project to participate in the hearing, he said it would provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to place their objections and suggestions. He said concerns relating to environmental and economic issues could be formally raised during the hearing.
He questioned the logic behind staging protests outside government offices when the designated platform for airing grievances was the public hearing itself. He said the government’s approach remained transparent and appealed to agitators not to misunderstand the procedures laid down under the law.
