The Saindur Tipkur-Tipkha Ieng Ehrngiew Hynñiewtrep (STIEH), a women’s social organisation, has sought the intervention of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change against the environmental clearance granted to Star Cement for a limestone project at Brichyrnot, East Jaintia Hills.
In a letter to the Director of the Impact Assessment Division, STIEH also requested the ministry to revoke the clearance immediately.
Expressing concern that the ministry gave environmental clearance to the company despite stiff opposition by the majority of the local people of Elaka Narpuh and Jaiñtia Hills as a whole, Deiwi Tongper, president of the organization, said that the proposed quarrying is near the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to many endangered species.
Tongper also said that the site is surrounded by three rivers – Lukha, Lunar and Umso Nalla, which are the main sources of livelihood for the local fisherman in the area. The nearby area also contains tourist destinations including caves and waterfalls.
Tongper alleged that despite the stiff opposition of the public, the district administration and the state government sent false data to the ministry without respect to the voice and opinion of the public.
“The 280 signatories (that backed the project) do not have any right to decide the future, life, and livelihood of lakhs of families in the surrounding area of Elaka Narpuh,” she said.
