The public hearing on the proposed limestone mining at Brichyrnot to be executed by the Star Cement had only two voices of opposition while the rest 30, including members of the dorbar shnong, offered their support to the project.
The Khasi Students Union led by its president KS Suchiang and a resident of Moolamanoh, Bythygrace Dkhar spoke against the project while raising concerns over the potential environmental degradation.
However, their voices were overshadowed by the majority. Suchiang said the project will be a threat to Lunar and Lukhar rivers, which are about 500-600 meters away from the project site.
Waheh shnong of Brichyrnot Stanly Massar said the village stands united behind the project.
Secretary of Elaka Narpuh S. Sumer urged the company to ensure employment to the locals and that it benefits the area while waheh shnong of Diengshynrum, Wilbert Nongtdu spoke on the initiatives undertaken by the company through its CSR project.
Others who spoke in support of the project were secretary of Brichyrnot Tariang Masar, Rowel Sumer, Friendly Nongtdu, waheh shnong of Pyrtakuna Loveyou Bareh, assistant waheh shnong Lumshnong C.Rymbai, former MDC D.Pohshna, Grimlang Dkhar and others.
The meeting was conducted by the ADC of the district, G Warjri, as the chairman in the presence of the environmental engineers S Syiem and YF Laloo and Star Cement district AGM, Rangkynsai Rynjah, who gave a presentation on the proposed project.
