Shillong, Aug 9: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has criticised the recent public hearing conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) for mining by Shree Cement, calling it “just another reminder” that cement plants in Jaintia Hills are dictating decisions to the board.
In a statement issued by its working president Thomas Passah, KHNAM alleged that the latest hearing was “less like a public hearing and more like a police hearing,” claiming that people who wanted to protest the mining were not allowed to attend and voice their concerns.
The party cited a similar incident involving Star Cement in the past, referring to a viral video that allegedly showed the plant owner instructing Meghalaya Police to beat up protestors.
KHNAM said East Jaintia Hills has been “badly affected” by the presence of cement plants, alleging large-scale destruction of forests, water bodies and the overall environment.
“To the extent that even the air people breathe seems poisonous, leading to fatal diseases,” the statement read.
Referring to the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006 issued by the central government, KHNAM said integrated cement plants and major expansion projects require a mandatory public hearing as part of public consultation before environmental clearance.
The party alleged that in Jaintia Hills, “the provisions of this act have not been kept in letter and spirit.”
KHNAM further alleged that cement plants are financiers to political parties during elections. Citing an example, Passah said “Star Cement donated Rs 50 lakh alone,” and therefore “it is not wrong to say that these cement plants control the Government and get their way with whatever they want.”
KHNAM has demanded a free and fair public consultation process in accordance with EIA norms and immediate steps to address environmental and health concerns in East Jaintia Hills.
