Shillong, Sep 22: Residents of Daistong village on Tuesday appeared before the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) over their complaint that they were barred from the public hearing held on December 19, 2025 by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board for Shree Cement’s Integrated Cement Plant.
They were accompanied by KSU leaders.
Daistong resident Reachingson Suchiang said it was their first physical hearing after filing the complaint on February 9, 2026.
“We were not allowed to attend the public hearing. MHRC has met several times on this case. This is the first physical hearing and we will wait for the order,” he told reporters.
Suchiang said villagers have opposed the project since Shree Cement sought NOC from village authorities, citing threat to water sources, caves, agricultural fields and air pollution.
“We are going one step at a time. We filed a complaint with the Commission after the executive failed to take action,” he said, adding they may move NGT and even the Supreme Court if needed.
“They plant one tree on World Environment Day but chop off thousands in Elaka Nongkhlieh for the cement project,” he said, alleging the company’s entry was forced and the government had failed to act.
He said villagers want the project cancelled.
