Raphael Warjri

The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) Central Executive Committee, led by president Sambormi Lyngdoh, has submitted a formal complaint to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) regarding the proposed public hearing for a Shree Cement project in Elaka Nongkhlieh, scheduled for May 22.

In its representation to the Member Secretary of the MSPCB, the organisation flagged several alleged discrepancies in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report submitted by the company.

Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh stated that the council is not opposed to development but is concerned over apparent violations of environmental regulations. He maintained that the proposed limestone mining project, covering 217 hectares, qualifies as a Category A project under the EIA Notification, 2006, thereby requiring appraisal by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). He contended that the issuance of the Terms of Reference (ToR) at the state level falls outside the jurisdiction of the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Meghalaya.

The JNC also questioned the authenticity of the EIA report, claiming that portions of the document indicate it was originally prepared for a project in Gujarat. It argued that such inconsistencies cast doubt on the validity of holding a public hearing in Meghalaya.

Further, the organisation pointed out that the project allegedly lacks an approved mining plan from the Indian Bureau of Mines, which it said is mandatory under existing norms. It also noted that the project site lies within 5 km of the Saipung Reserve Forest, which should place it under Category A, contrary to its classification in the report.

Concerns were also raised over the Disaster Management Plan (DMP), which the JNC claimed is based on outdated seismic safety guidelines that have since been withdrawn by the Government of India.

The council questioned why authorities, including the SEIAA and MSPCB, have proceeded with the public hearing process without a thorough review of the documents. It also drew attention to what it described as selective enforcement, noting that while minor violations are strictly monitored, larger environmental lapses appear to be overlooked.

The JNC has urged the state government and the Chief Minister, who holds the forest and mining portfolio, to intervene and clarify the issues raised. It further appealed to residents of Elaka Nongkhlieh to be cautious in land dealings, advising them to consider the long-term value of their land and resources.

The organisation reiterated its demand for a detailed scrutiny of the project before any further steps are taken.