Campaigners against mining claimed limestone mining destroyed the famous Krem Kot-Sati Umlawan cave system at Lumchnong

Dr. HH MohrmenOctober 17, 2019

JOWAI: More Opposition against granting of mining lease at Brichyrnot and at the same time more skeleton started appearing from the cupboard of those involve in mining in the Narpuh are area. One of the irreparable damage that limestone mining had is on the cave system in the area. The impact of limestone mining in Lumshnong is that it has damage the entire Krem Kot Sati Umlawan cave system.

Two prominent organisations which engage in protection of the environment in the two districts of Jaintia hills have raised their voices against the hearing to decide on issuing mining lease to Star Cement Committee Limited. Jaintia Fishing and Environment Protection Association an organisation which has received an award from the ministry of water resourced for its work in protection of rivers and the aquatic lives and Jaintia Tourism and Environment Society which has pioneered and popularised tourism development in the region, has separately lodged their complaint against the proposed mining today at the office of the member secretary of Meghalaya State Pollution Control board, Shillong.

The association of anglers which is also an umbrella organisation of fishermen with units in different part of the region was against the issue of mining lease to the company because the proposed mining area is located very close to river Lukha. The complaint also stated that Brichyrnot is also one of the catchment areas of the river Lukha, therefore allowing mining in the area will have drastic impact on the water body, the fishes and aquatic lives in the river.

The statement also mentioned that silting is already happening in the river Lukha from limestone mining and this has not only affected the nearby villages but it will affect the villages which are located downstream of the river as Lukha not only provide them fish for their sustenance but it also provide for their basic needs.

Jaintia Tourism and Environment Society (JTES) which introduced itself as the organisation which first spearheaded the promotion of Tourism in erstwhile Jaintia hills has also organised many Discover Jaintia Festivals in both East and West Jaintia Hills to promote tourism in the area. It is said that Jaintia hills is blessed with natural gift which can be use to attract tourist to the state and with many tourist spots coming up, tourism is now a leading employment provider in the state.

JTES released also stated that the Youths of the Sunapyrdi area has started some venture to attract tourist to the region and the Wildlife Sanctuary and the river Luka can boast the prospect of ecotourism in the area. JTES is supporting them in their efforts. Because unlike mining tourism not only provides employment to the youth of the area but it is also sustainable activity, the release added.

It was also stated in the JTES representation that although Lumchnong is blessed with one of the World longest cave, but unfortunately the cave is severely damaged by limestone mining has damage the famous Krem Kotsati Umlawan of Lumchnong. The cave system which is also exotic in nature is not even safe to enter now because limestone mining which used heavy machineries and explosives rendered it unsafe to even enter. Krem Kot-sati Umlawan which was the second longest cave (21, 530 metres long) and the third deepest cave (215 metres deep) in India is now but a shadow of its former glory.

It has opined that allowing the proposed mining  to go ahead will not only affect the livelihood of the youths who are already engaging in the tourism business, but it will also affect the health of the people as mining will produce dust and will affect the river and the wildlife nearby.

It was also informed that another organisation which objected to granting of mining lease at Brichyrnot is Jowai Civic Awareness Society.