A public hearing to carry out limestone mine and clay deposit over and area of 6.7892 hectare of land in Umtyra and Chiehruphi in Lumshnong area was successfully conducted today with no opposition to the project.
Public hearings in East Jaiñtia over expansion of cement plants or limestone have always been marred with opposition on many occasions as people fear pollution and environment degradation.
However this time, the public hearing conducted for the Goldstone Cement Ltd was supported by all attendees.
According to Environmental Engineer of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board F. Laloo, the proposed production capacity of limestone is at 358369 TPA while the production associated (Clay) at 121909 TPA, over burden as sandstone at 67,622 TPA and as sandy soil at 47279 TPA.
Laloo said the mineable mineral for limestone mineral is about 4554065 tonnes and for clay is 3, 96253 tonnes.
The proposed mining operations will be carried out by fully mechanised open cast method.
Doloi of Narpuh Elaka Manbha Kyndoh, Waheh Shnong of Chiehruphi Phrom Rymbai, Boundary Secretary of Elaka Rymbai Balios Swer, Waheh Shnong Ratacherra D. Pohshna, and Waheh Shnong Pyrtakuna Love You Bareh spoke at the public hearing and said they have no objections to the proposed project.
Others who spoke were Waheh Shnong Moosiang Lamare, Lumlang Muksor, Finance Secretary Elaka Narpuh Jerimaia Dhar, East Jaiñtia Hills Truck Owners Association Soomiyeo Sayoo and others.
The speakers at the public hearing urged the company to follow laid down norms and guidelines in matters related to the environment and hoped that the project will generate direct and indirect employment to boost the economy of the area.
Additional Deputy Commissioner G. Warjri, Environmental Engineering James Lamurong and consultant of the company Aarya Chowdhury were also present during the hearing.
