Meghalaya: Jaiñtia group seeks cancellation of public hearing for cement plant

Guwahati: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) has urged the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to cancel the public hearing scheduled for October 18, 2024, regarding the proposed Meghatop Cement Private Limited plant at Wahiajer Narpuh in East Jaintia Hills district.

In a memo submitted to the MPCB through the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, the JNC raised concerns about the company's alleged lack of necessary approvals from the local authorities.

The organization's General Secretary, CEC Wanshwa Suting, stated that the company had not obtained the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Dorbar (village council) or Doloi (traditional head) of Elaka Narpuh, where the plant is proposed to be located.

Despite the absence of these crucial approvals, the JHADC (Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council) had granted clearance for the plant's establishment.

The JNC criticized this move, alleging that the JHADC had acted without due process and potentially disregarded the interests of the local community.

The JNC further pointed out that a recent resolution passed by the Dorbar of Elaka Narpuh indicated that the NOC for Meghatop Cement Private Limited was still under consideration. This contradicted the JHADC's claim that the NOC had already been obtained.

Based on these findings, the JNC called upon the MPCB to halt the public hearing until all necessary approvals were secured.

The organization expressed concerns about the potential environmental and social impacts of the project and emphasized the need to protect the rights and interests of the local population.