Revoke EC granted to Star Cement for expansion of limestone mining: STIEH to MoEF&CC

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 1, 2021

The Saindur Tipkur – Tipkha Ieng Ehrngiew Hynniewtrep (STIEH), a women social organization, has sought the revocation of the environmental clearance (EC) granted to the Star Cement Meghalaya Ltd for expansion of its limestone mining project at Brishyrnot in East Jaintia Hills district.

In a letter to the Director Impact Assessment Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) on Thursday, president of the STIEH Deiwi Tongper said, “(We) request and appeal to your esteemed office to intervene and revoke the EC given to M/s Star Cement Meghalaya Ltd in the interest of livelihood and betterment of our people and the environment…”

She alleged that the EC was granted for the mining lease of limestone and shale in 42.051 Ha of land of Brishyrnot without any public consultation or public hearing and despite stiff opposition by majority of the people of elaka Narpuh and Jaintia Hills as a whole.

Tongper said the proposed quarrying is located near Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary adding that it is also surrounded by three famous rivers – Wah Lukha, Wah Lunar and Umso Nalla – which stand as the main sources of livelihood for local fisherman in the area.

The STIEH leader further alleged the state government and the district administration of sending false data to the MoEF&CC which is “injustice, arbitrary and undemocratic approached”.

She also added that 280 signatories or people do not have any right to decide the future, life and livelihood of thousands and lakhs of families in the surrounding area of Elaka Narpuh.

According to her, common people of the area are suffering from various difficulties caused by ongoing mining activities of several cement factories in the area.

“Lukha River has been contaminated and severely hampered and affected aqua habitations, harmful for human use, and environment has been randomly destroyed and deteriorated,” she said.