Villagers in Shella that fall within the areas affected by mining carried out by Lafarge Umiam Mining Pvt Ltd (LUMPL) have complained that the company has stopped providing healthcare to the people urgently needed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
LUMPL, which is a subsidiary of a mining giant, has operations in Phlangkaruh, Nongtrai, in East Khasi Hills where limestone is exported over the nearby border into Bangladesh.
Locals said that, earlier, Lafarge had at least provided a mobile health clinic for the public.
“But it has been over two years since this rudimentary facility was withdrawn,” a villager said.
As far as the people can make out, the company doctor had left the firm and no one was appointed in his place. Despite being a basic clinic, the health unit provided some relief to sick people in an area that barely has any medical facilities or doctors.
Shella has a primary health centre but locals expected better from LUMPL since it has committed to taking care of the requirements of the local people who are affected by the mining activities.
Locals said that the blasting of rock to get the limestone in the Lafarge mines has spread dust clouds far and wide across the hills, polluting the air and making it extremely difficult to breathe. The noise is also a nuisance and a cause of health problems, they said.
During the Covid-19 pandemic Lafarge has, from time to time, made donations of oxygen equipment (to the state government), Covid gear (to the Sohra corona centre), etc.
On the issue of the health clinic, Lafarge informed that it has appointed one Dr Bantista Wanniang in March at Nongtrai after the post was lying vacant after the resignation of the former doctor.
