KHLIEHRIAT, Oct 22: The Khasi Jaintia Youth & Student Union (KJYSU) and the Indigenous Biodiversity & Social Welfare Organisation (IBSWO) have voiced strong opposition to the proposed Environmental Clearance (EC) for Shree Cement Ltd’s Lum Syrman Limestone Block-A project in East Jaiñtia Hills, warning of widespread protests if the proposal moves forward.
In a joint statement issued by KJYSU general secretary D Shullet and IBSWO president G Lakiang, the two groups urged the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the Fact-Finding Committee to nullify the public hearing held on July 31. They alleged that the hearing was unfair and violated the EIA Notification, 2006, claiming several residents who opposed the project were intimidated and denied the opportunity to speak.
The statement follows an October 14 letter from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), which clarified that it is not the authority that grants clearances and that it had forwarded the file to the SEIAA in Shillong.
Highlighting ecological concerns, the organisations noted that Lum Syrman is a vital water catchment area, a wildlife habitat, and ancestral agricultural land. They cautioned that limestone mining would cause irreversible environmental damage and pollute critical water bodies, including the Lukha and Myntang rivers.
The groups warned that they would launch an agitation across East and West Jaintia Hills if the public hearing is ratified.
They also threatened to block the company’s vehicles from entering the area and move the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Kolkata and the High Court to legally challenge any clearance granted.
The organisations also criticised major cement firms operating in the region, including Topcem, Star Cement, Dalmia, and Shree Cement, alleging that despite extracting huge profits, they have done little to generate local employment or improve local schools and roads.
Extending full support to the residents of Elaka Nongkhlieh, who have already lodged a complaint against the project with the Fact-Finding Committee, the groups reiterated that they would resist any attempt to clear the mining lease.