The Lafarge Umiam Mining Private limited (LUMPL) has contested claims made by locals that its continuous blasting has had adverse effect on some slopes in Shella that might collapse.
Besides heavy monsoons locals had blamed the company for the cracks on the lands and broken walls in Mawryngkhong, Laikher and other villagers stating that sinking areas have cropped up there.
While agreeing to the fact that with heavy downpour since May and with highest recorded rain on June 15 may have resulted in the release of ground distress in the slope along the villages, the company said that the blasting has no direct effect on the areas.
“Located more than 1 km away on the north-eastern side on a different hillock separated by the Umiam river the village is at a very safe distance from the blasting zone. The river which runs between the company’s blasting zone and the localities of Mawryngkhong, Laikher and other areas mitigates any ground vibrations that maybe caused by blasting carried out by the company,” a statement here today said.
Pointing out that blasting is carried out by the company as per the norms laid down by IBM & DGMS, LUMPL stated that it strictly adheres to the rules laid down by the governing bodies and ensures safe and scientific mining
While locals have alleged that the management of the LUMPL has failed to recognize the precarious condition of these villages the company said that through its CSR initiatives for Rural Infrastructure development it has ensured the creation and strengthening of retaining walls at various key locations in Mawryngkhong, Laikher and other localities of Shella. The company said the villages are beneficiaries of various SPVS schemes funded by the company that provides for construction drains and other protective infrastructure in the form of river embankments, retaining walls etc.
LUMPL further said that though the company has permission of excavate and transport 5 million tons of limestone per year through its 17 km long conveyor belt the company is yet to reach its target capacity.
While a Joint Committee for Community Development Forum (JCCD) was established in the village where members of the Shella Dorbar regularly meet with company representatives to discuss development activities LUMPL said it has followed the Supreme Court order and undertook development activities as mandated including health, education, economy, irrigation and agriculture in the areas affected by mining activities, besides the SPVS to undertake development activities in the area.
