No mining allowed in Narpuh eco-sensitive zone, says Rymbui

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 28, 2019

SHILLONG: Forest Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has maintained no mining activities will be allowed in and around the Narpuh Wildlife sanctuary which is an Eco-sensitive Zone.

This came following protests registered by the six villages under Narpuh elaka in East Jaintia Hills District against the move of a cement company to expand its limestone mining in Brichyrnot area, which according to them is located near the wildlife sanctuary.

Asked, Rymbui told reporters that the matter will be examined by the department if the proposed expansion project of the Star Cement is located near the eco-sensitive zone. “Any mining activities will not be allowed if it is in and around the eco-sensitive zone. However, if it falls outside, we cannot do anything about it,” he maintained.

To another query, the minister said if the cement plants fulfill all the criterias, legally speaking no one can stop them from going ahead with such project.

On October 19, a massive protest by hundreds of residents from six villages in East Jaintia Hills District prevented district authorities from conducting the public hearing on the expansion of limestone mining project of Star Cement at Brichyrnot area under Narpuh Elaka.

Protesters including school students carrying placards and banners blocked the road and disallowed the Deputy Commissioner FM Doph and officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board from holding the public hearing.

The protest was led by the 6 Shnong Wah Lukha Association backed by several NGOs which include Khasi Students’ Union, Jaintia Students’ Union, Jaintia Students’ Movement and STIEH.

The Star Cement Company has proposed to expand limestone mining from 9 metric tons to 20 metric tons per day, at 42.051 hectares of land in Brichyrnot.