By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 23: Four advocates from East Jaintia Hills on Thursday demanded the cancellation of a proposed limestone mining project by Shree Cement Limited near the Litein river, warning that they would approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) if authorities fail to act.
In a joint statement, advocates Dawanmon Pachiang, Jimmy Pdang, Fedrick Muliar and Bebulme Sympli, representing villages under Elaka Sutnga, demanded a complete halt to the proposed mining activity. They insisted that no mining should be permitted within a 2-km radius of the Litein river.
They urged the state government and regulatory authorities to immediately review the draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, conduct an independent and transparent environmental assessment, and ensure the protection of the river from ecological damage.
The advocates raised serious concerns over alleged discrepancies in the EIA report, which reportedly states that no river or stream exists near the proposed site. They said available GPS coordinates indicate that the mining area directly borders the Litein river.
According to them, the proposed project spans approximately 217.394 hectares, with its boundary touching the river, thus posing a significant threat to its ecological balance and long-term sustainability.
They warned that mining activities in such proximity could lead to irreversible damage to aquatic ecosystems, increase water pollution from sedimentation and chemical runoff, and disrupt the river-based livelihoods.
“The Litein river is a vital natural resource that sustains both human and ecological life. Any threat to its purity and flow must be treated with utmost seriousness,” the statement said.
Cautioning authorities, they said that failure to take timely action would leave them with no option but to approach the NGT to safeguard the river and surrounding environment.
The residents of Shnongrim village under Elaka Nongkhlieh in East Jaintia Hills also stand opposed to the project. They submitted a fresh representation to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) on Thursday.
The villagers alleged that the land identified for mining at Lum Syrman is privately owned and that no consent, lease agreement or sale deed has been executed in favour of the company.
They said they were surprised over a public notice issued by the MSPCB on April 17, announcing a public hearing for environmental clearance for the project which, they claimed, is based on “unauthorised” ownership claims by the company.
“The land in question belongs to us legally and traditionally. We have not granted any permission for mining activities,” the representation stated, adding that ownership is supported by documents from the Dolloi of the Elaka and landholding certificates issued by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council.
The residents demanded that the public hearing be called off within seven days. They further demanded an immediate investigation into the company’s claims, and legal action against any unauthorised use of their land.
They urged authorities to safeguard their property rights and prevent environmental damage, warning that there would be irreparable loss if the matter is not addressed urgently.
