Shillong, Aug 13: The state government has ordered an inquiry into the alleged digging up of roads in connection with the controversial public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Thursday said the Deputy Commissioner has already initiated the inquiry and the government is awaiting the report before taking further action. “An inquiry has been put up already. The Deputy Commissioner has already put up an inquiry into what is happening. So, we are awaiting the reports,” he said.
There have been growing demands from pressure groups and local villagers that the public hearing conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board for Shree Cement’s proposed integrated cement plant at Lum Syrman be declared null and void.
Protesters had alleged that a portion of the road at Tongseng leading to the public hearing site was dug up, stopping people from attending the hearing.
Sangma said the government is engaging with different stakeholders over the demand and is examining all aspects. He noted that there were also local residents in the project area who supported the industry and were in favour of industrial development.
“There are a lot of the local people in that particular area who are involved, who are very much happy and have supported the industries coming in. Therefore, we have to take all stakeholders into confidence,” Sangma said.
On whether opposing organisations would be invited for talks, the Chief Minister said the government would keep all options open. “We have never closed our doors for any discussions. We’ve always believed that discussion and dialogue is the best way to move forward,” he said, adding the government is willing to address concerns and misconceptions through dialogue.
