Shillong, Dec 1: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has sought an immediate halt to all processes related to the proposed Shree Cement integrated plant at Daistong in East Jaintia Hills, stating that the project poses irreversible risks to agriculture, water resources and local livelihoods.
In a petition to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav HITO said dust from the plant could harm paddy crops, reducing yields in nearby fields including air and water pollution from the stack emissions and 600 KLD water extraction risk altering the micro-environment and depleting irrigation sources.
The organisation also said that shift from agriculture to industry threatens local livelihoods and culture and the proximity to Daistong village (0.82 km) raises concerns over emissions, noise, and heavy traffic.
HITO President Donbok Thabah said the company’s measures were insufficient for the area’s sensitivity. He said that the mitigation measures listed in the company’s report do not adequately address the agricultural dependency of local communities or the cumulative environmental impact.
Dkhar urged the Ministry to cancel environmental clearances, halt project processes, and protect Daistong’s ecology, citing examples of similar plants causing lasting harm elsewhere in India.
“Development must not sacrifice land, water, and communities,” the petition states, appealing for environmental justice for indigenous populations.
