By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 14: Shillong Member of Parliament Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon has requested the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change to immediately suspend the ongoing Environmental Clearance (EC) proceedings for a proposed integrated cement plant at Daistong village in East Jaintia Hills district.
In a February 11 letter addressed to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, the MP sought the suspension of further processing of the EC application concerning the project proposed by Shree Cement Limited, pending an independent and comprehensive inquiry into procedural and statutory concerns.
According to the letter, the proposed project comprises a 0.95 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) clinker unit, a 0.99 MTPA cement unit, a 15 MW captive power plant, a 7 MW waste heat recovery system, and associated infrastructure spread over approximately 25.08 hectares. The MP described the project as a large-scale industrial intervention in a district already experiencing cumulative industrial stress.
The MP cited three principal grounds for seeking suspension. First, he raised concerns regarding cumulative environmental stress and carrying capacity in East Jaintia Hills, which hosts multiple cement and extractive operations. He stated that the environmental clearance process must assess cumulative regional impacts, including air quality and particulate load, groundwater availability, river systems and agricultural land, as well as forest cover and ecological fragmentation.
The letter stated that granting clearance without a demonstrable cumulative impact assessment may conflict with the principles of sustainable development and the precautionary principle recognised in Indian environmental jurisprudence. Pending verification of the adequacy of such an assessment, proceeding with clearance may be premature, it noted.
Second, the MP referred to representations from residents alleging deficiencies in the public hearing conducted under the EIA Notification, 2006. The allegations include the obstruction of affected villagers from participating, intimidation and restricted access, and a failure to ensure free and meaningful consultation.
If established, the MP stated, such irregularities would undermine the integrity of the environmental clearance process.
Third, the letter highlighted sensitivities relating to the Sixth Schedule and land safeguards. Meghalaya, being governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, requires heightened diligence in matters involving tribal land, customary land tenure, and compliance with the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971.
The MP stated that concerns regarding the issuance of No Objection Certificates and compliance with land transfer regulations necessitate careful legal examination before irreversible industrial commitments are permitted.
Invoking Article 21 of the Constitution, Syngkon noted that environmental protection and livelihood security form integral components of the right to life. He stated that where serious procedural allegations and cumulative ecological concerns exist, administrative prudence demands that clearance proceedings be paused pending verification.
The MP asked the Ministry to immediately suspend further processing of the EC application, institute an independent review of the public hearing process, the cumulative environmental impact assessment, and compliance with statutory land and tribal safeguards; and to ensure that no final clearance decision is taken until such a review is completed and its findings are placed on record.
He further stated that, if the matter proceeds without satisfactory review, he would be constrained to pursue appropriate parliamentary and institutional remedies available under the law.
The Ministry or the project proponent has not responded to the letter yet.
Daistong villagers oppose public hearing
Residents of Daistong village in East Jaintia Hills have vehemently opposed the public hearing conducted in connection with the proposed cement plant of Shree Cement Limited and demanded that the exercise be cancelled.
The villagers have submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging intervention in the matter. Copies have also been sent to Shillong MP Ricky Syngkon and the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission.
Addressing the media, social activist Reachingson Siangshai alleged that objections to the project were raised both before and after the Public Hearing but were ignored by the authorities.
He claimed that the No Objection Certificate (NOC) was granted without the knowledge of the majority of residents and that only a few individuals were aware of the contents of the agreement signed with the company.
Siangshai further informed that the group has met Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma and leaders of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) to apprise them of the issue. The villagers are also hopeful that the matter will be raised in Parliament.
Among the key concerns highlighted in the memorandum is the proximity of the proposed factory site to the Laitprah and Labi Cave, considered one of the longest caves in Asia. The villagers also pointed to the presence of agricultural land and water sources near the site, as well as the recent discovery of a rare fish species in the area.
The memorandum further questions an alleged violation of the Land Transfer Act in a land transaction involving a non-tribal individual.
Siangshai alleged that during the public hearing, only supporters of the project were allowed to participate while others were prevented from entering, despite officials being present at the venue.
Claiming that development activities have already begun at the proposed site, the residents warned that if authorities fail to halt the project, they may take steps to stop the construction themselves. For now, they await a response from the Centre on their demand to cancel the public hearing.
