Meghalaya environment panel inspects cement and coke plants in East Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 14, 2024

The Committee on Environment of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, led by Chairperson Wailadmiki Shylla, inspected cement and coke Plants in East Jaintia Hills on September 13 to assess the environmental impact of industrial activities.

Committee members Mayralborn Syiem, Sosthenes Sohtun, Santa Mary Shylla, and co-opted officials joined the inspection. The team visited Jaintia Coke Pvt. Ltd., Dalmia Cement Bharat Ltd., and Star Cement at Lumshnong.

Shylla emphasized balancing industrial growth with environmental preservation, seeking a comprehensive list of all coke plants – legal and illegal – as well as quarries in the region. He also requested air quality reports and called for improved worker safety and local employment in the cement industry.

Syiem raised concerns about air quality, calling for third-party monitoring and regular plantation efforts. Sohtun stressed sustainable quarrying and pollution control, while Santa Mary Shylla urged companies to engage in environmental restoration by planting trees.