The Voice of the People Party (VPP) is opposed to the proposed creation of a new industrial estate in Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi district and demanded that the government to explore sustainable alternatives without compromising the environmental and agricultural integrity.
The Meghalaya government plans to convert 134 acres of land that belonged to the Social and Water Conservation and Agriculture Departments into an industrial estate to pave way for its 10 billion dollar economy road map.
In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said that the proposal will lead to significant depletion of forest cover, which is indispensable for maintaining ecological balance.
“Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity and forested lands are our greatest assets, and losing even an inch of this cover for industrial development is unacceptable,” Basaiawmoit said.
Referring to the report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) released on March 8, 2024 that Byrnihat has been identified as the most polluted ‘city’ in India, the VPP said more industrial activity will only exacerbate the environmental degradation.
“This raises a serious question about the prudence of establishing another industrial estate in an already overburdened area,” the VPP stated.
Basaiawmoit also said that the proposal undermines the essential roles of the Agriculture and Soil & Water Conservation Departments. He said that these departments are crucial for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation, both of which are vital for the long-term well-being of the state.
According to him strengthening these sectors should be the priority, not diminishing their capabilities for short-term industrial gains.
The VPP also stated that since the Meghalaya Government has a track record of mismanaging public sector industries and corporations, this raises serious concerns about the feasibility and success of the proposed industrial development.
“Past failures suggest that this initiative may not only disrupt the functions of the Agriculture and Soil Departments but also fail to deliver any significant industrial growth,” Basaiawmoit said.
The VPP also pointed out that there is a risk that, instead of fostering genuine industrial development, this land may end up being mortgaged or sold off to private parties with close ties to the government and that this would be a grave misuse of public land and detrimental to the state’s interests.
It stated that the credibility and capabilities of the IMA are unclear and entrusting such a significant project to an entity whose effectiveness is unproven is risky and potentially harmful to the state’s economic and environmental health.
The VPP said that they are not against the government’s aim of achieving a 10 billion dollar economy for the state or the establishment of industrial estates. “However, we strongly oppose compromising the Agriculture and Soil & Water Conservation Departments for this purpose. These departments play a vital role in ensuring sustainable development and food security,” the party stated.
The VPP also questioned the intent of the government to convert the lands into an industrial estate. “Is it because these departments (Soil and Agriculture) have failed to make use of the above land? Are Agriculture and Soil Departments not relevant for the 10 billion dollar economy? Why can’t the government utilize other unused land for such industrial estates?” the party asked.
Urging the government to reconsider the proposal, the VPP said, “We believe in sustainable development that prioritises environmental conservation and strengthens the agricultural sector.”
