Shillong, Feb 14: Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon has sought suspension of the environmental clearance proceedings on the proposed cement plant at Daistong village in East Jaintia Hills, district.
Syngkon met Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and expressed serious concerns regarding procedural and statutory issues surrounding the proposed project, which includes a clinker unit, a cement unit, and a captive power plant.
The proposed cement plant belongs to Shree Cement at Daistong Village, East Jaintia Hills District.
Syngkon said that the company represents a large-scale industrial intervention in a district already experiencing significant cumulative industrial stress.
The MP highlighted that the environmental clearance process should account for cumulative impacts on air quality, groundwater availability, and ecological integrity. He emphasised that moving forward with clearance without a thorough cumulative impact assessment would defy the principles of sustainable development.
Furthermore, Syngkon pointed out allegations of procedural irregularities during a public hearing, indicating the need for independent scrutiny before any further administrative actions are taken.
Shree Cement Company plans to establish its plant with clinker capacity of 0.95 million tons per annum and a cement capacity of 0.99 million tons per annum, with construction planned to begin in 2026 at Khara Siang Lum Pyrshin in Daistong.
Locals are opposing the proposed plant due to environmental concerns, land transfer issues, and alleged lack of community consent.
Syngkon told the Union Minister that the affected villagers were obstructed from participating in a public hearing held on December 19.
“Given that Public Hearing is a statutory requirement designed to ensure participatory environmental governance, any credible allegation of procedural compromise warrants independent scrutiny before further administrative progression,” the MP said.
He also said concerns on issuance of No Objection Certificates and land transfer compliance requires careful legal examination before irreversible industrial commitments are permitted.
Syngkon wants the centre to institute an independent review of the public hearing, cumulative environmental impact assessment, compliance with statutory land and tribal safeguards.
Syngkon noted that Meghalaya operates under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, necessitating careful examination of tribal land and transfer compliance. He warned that unclear legal standings could lead to public unrest and constitutional complications.
