While a public hearing for the proposed limestone mine in Umlong village have evoked positive response from locals who have given their support for the Amrit Cement Limited, a woman stood alone to protest.
Rinaroy Bareh of Umlong village is against the proposed project for fear of environmental degradation and destruction of farmlands and displacement of indigenous people.
Speaking at the public hearing, Bareh raised concerns that the limestone mine would have an adverse impact on agriculture and bring about water and air pollution. She stated that the land meant for limestone mining is benami with an intention to take away the tribal lands while employment is just in name to exploit labour, trafficking bonded labour and other menace like drug trafficking.
Bareh stated that the waste from the mining project would affect the health of the people, pollute the water sources wherein the poor will then have to buy water from the rich.
The public hearing was called to seek public opinion on the proposal by Amrit Cement Ltd to set up a limestone mine at Mulieh Umlong. The area of the mine is 7.33 hectares and the proposed limestone quantity to be mined is estimated at 2.987 million tons at 0.5 tons annually. The life of the mine will be six years.
The public hearing was presided over by East Jaiñtia Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner Gautam Warjri and was attended by Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) Assistant Environmental Engineer Yoo Franky Laloo.
Waheh Shnong of Umlong Charly Pohtam said that the villagers have given support to the company because it has assured in paper to look into the development of the village.
Others who spoke in favour of the limestone mine were Doloi of Elaka Narpuh, Dloi Manbha Kyndoh, Khliehriat MD Fineliness Bareh, former Bataw MDC Joinriwell Pyrtuh, Vice President of Elaka Rymbai Merimon Rymbai, Boundary Secretary of the Elaka Rymbai and Narpuh Balios Swer, Waheh Shnong of Musiang Lamare (Old) Chadkmen Muksor, Waheh Shnong of Umrasiang B. Muksor and Secretary of VEC Umlong Silas Pohtmi.
