Shillong, May 21: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong today defended the government’s decision to hold a public hearing tomorrow on the Shree Cement limestone quarry and cement plant project, asserting that the process reflects transparency and public participation rather than coercion.
Responding to criticism from groups protesting the May 22 public hearing, Tynsong said the government was following due procedure and had no intention of forcing the project on local residents.
He stressed that the purpose of the hearing was to gather feedback from all stakeholders, including those opposed to the project. According to him, the consultation process exists precisely to understand public opinion on whether the proposed factory should be allowed.
“A public hearing is meant to understand the views of the people – whether they support the project or have objections to it,” he said.
Tynsong also pointed out that conducting such hearings is mandatory under existing environmental regulations and falls under the jurisdiction of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board.
He urged protesting organisations to participate in the hearing instead of opposing it from outside. “If people have concerns regarding environmental or economic impacts, they should attend the hearing and place their objections there,” he said.
Questioning demonstrations being held at locations away from the hearing venue, such as yesterday in Khliehriat where protestors occupied the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex, Tynsong said the most effective platform for dissent was the public consultation itself.
“We are open to discussion and clarification whenever there is misunderstanding. But opposing the hearing itself defeats the very purpose of consultation,” he added.
The Deputy CM reiterated that the government remained committed to transparency and appealed to agitators not to misinterpret the process. He maintained that the hearing would provide an opportunity for all sections of society to express their concerns before any decision is taken on the proposed cement factory.
