Shillong, Jul 29: The Hynñiewtrep Youth Development Council (HYDC), East Jaintia Hills district, has announced a boycott of the environmental public hearing scheduled for July 31 for Shree Cement’s proposed limestone mining and integrated cement plant.
In a statement, HYDC reiterated opposition to the project, citing concerns over environmental degradation, loss of community land, destruction of water sources, and impact on indigenous people and future generations.
The youth body accused the hearing of being a mere statutory formality to facilitate resource extraction without addressing local concerns. It also condemned the MDA government for allowing the process to continue despite widespread opposition from villagers and social organisations.
HYDC further questioned the silence of the state government and JHADC, asking whether they have fulfilled their duty to protect tribal land and if any arrangement exists with Shree Cement to push the project forward.
The youth body appealed to citizens, village authorities, and civil society to remain united and use all democratic means to defend land, forests, and rivers from “indiscriminate exploitation.”
