Shillong, October 16: Activist Reachingson Suchiang has raised concerns over the proposed Shree Cement plant at Daistong, Lum Shyrman, under Elaka Nongkhlieh in East Jaiñtia Hills, questioning whether indigenous rights and environmental safeguards have been adequately considered.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday after submitting documents to the fact-finding committee constituted by the Meghalaya Government’s Home (Political) Department, Suchiang said representations had been submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the State Government before the public hearing on the project.
He maintained that the objections should have been examined before the hearing proceeded. Referring to the Sixth Schedule and the IOA, Suchiang questioned whether the procedures followed in connection with the proposed plant adequately respected the rights and protections applicable to the indigenous community.
Suchiang alleged that the handling of the objections by the company and government authorities had undermined these safeguards and contributed to public resentment against the project.
He said opposition to the plant was driven by concerns over land, livelihoods, forests and water sources. Residents fear that the proposed project could affect agricultural activities, nearby rivers and the surrounding forest, as well as access to clean air and water.
Suchiang urged the committee to obtain relevant records from the departments concerned, particularly those dealing with forests and the environment, and conduct a site inspection to assess the potential impact on the ground.
He also questioned the committee’s independence, noting that it had been constituted under the State Government’s Home (Political) Department. He called for scrutiny of the roles of the departments involved and the conduct of the earlier public hearing.
The committee had called representatives from both the supporting and opposing sides of Daistong village to submit their views and documents.
The specific legal provisions cited in Suchiang’s representations and the authorities’ responses were not available in the information provided. His allegations have not been established as findings of the committee. The company and the government’s responses to his claims were also not available.
