KSU decides to allow holding of public hearing on Star Cement project

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 16, 2020

SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has decided to strongly oppose against the proposed expansion of limestone mining project by Star Cement at Brichyrnot under Narpuh Elaka in East Jaintia Hills district in the upcoming public hearing to be held on January 30.

“We have decided to allow holding of the public hearing but we are firm in our stand that we will oppose the project during the hearing,” KSU-Narpuh Circle president KS Suchiang told reporters here on Thursday.

He also informed that a delegation of the Union has also met and submitted a memorandum to the Member Secretary of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) to oppose the public hearing.

“However, the member secretary told us that the public hearing have to be conducted so that people can express on whether they are opposing or supporting the project,” Suchiang said.

The president also said that the union is aware that the public hearing is just a formality to pave way for the Star Cement to carry out its expansion project. “However, we will appeal to the NGT to ensure that no permission is granted for the expansion project,” he said.

Earlier last year, the public hearing was halted twice after massive protests by residents of six villages along with NGOs from the district.

In its memorandum, the KSU Narpuh Circle has slammed the board for its decision to hold the public hearing on January 30 and said, “This signifies that the pollution control board is more keen and active in creating pollution for the area rather than preserving the environment of Narpuh area.”

The union also reiterated its objection on the ground that the area where the expansion project is being proposed is a forest area and located near the Narpuh wildlife sanctuary and Lukha river.

“…allowing Star Cements Ltd to expand its mining lease/mines will only cause more destruction to the environment, its flora and fauna and also it will have serious and deadly impact on the farmland,” it said.

The union further said that the setting up of the cement factory at Narpuh elaka had done more damage than good to the area adding pollutions on the rivers and air has increased causing great risk for the inhabitants.