Khliehriat, Dec 1: In the backdrop of accusations of issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Shree Cement Company to establish its plant in Daistong village, the waheh shnong has stated that 85 per cent of residents are in support of the project.
Speaking to reporters today, Waheh Shnong Himon Pajuh, accompanied by Assistant Waheh Shnong Hoimatlang Phyrngap, members Pheing Sutnga, Longsing Lamare lem and others, said that the NOC was granted to the cement company after a dorbar meeting held on September 8, 2025.
According to Pajuh, 15 per cent of the residents are against the cement plant. He stated he is not against those who are opposed to the project but went ahead to issue the NOC as majority of the residents have shown their support during the dorbar.
The Assistant Waheh Shnong said that an agreement was also entered with the dorbar that the company will ensure infrastructure development by constructing roads and other essential facilities such as drinking water. He said the company also agreed to provide employment to local residents.
Residents of Daistong have recently registered their protest against holding of a public hearing by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board scheduled for December 19 arguing that the proposed cement factory will lead to pollution, impacting air quality, water resources and agricultural land.
Pressure groups have demanded authorities to halt the public hearing. The Jaintia National Council had complained to the Deputy Commissioner that the company’s land acquisition involved illegal transfer of tribal land to a non-tribal buyer.
Shree Cement Company plans to establish its plant in Khara Siang Lum Pyrshin area, with clinker capacity of 0.95 million tons per annum and a cement capacity of 0.99 million tons per annum, with construction planned to begin in 2026.
