Council alleges status quo exists only on paper; claims company continues pursuing clearances despite ongoing inquiry
Shillong, September 7: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) on Monday met Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and submitted a memorandum seeking representation in the State Government’s Fact-Finding Committee constituted to examine issues surrounding the proposed Shree Cement plant.
JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh said the inclusion of a Council representative would ensure that the concerns and interests of affected local communities are properly represented during the inquiry.
According to Lyngdoh, the Chief Minister informed the delegation that the Government would hold a meeting on the Fact-Finding Committee on Tuesday and assured them that the JNC’s demand would be placed before the committee.
The Council, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of any concrete assurance regarding its inclusion.
JNC Questions Scope of Status Quo
The JNC also alleged that the status quo announced by the Government was being maintained only at the proposed project site, while the company continued processing documents and pursuing necessary clearances from the authorities.
“The status quo should apply not only to construction activities at the site but also to all paperwork and administrative processes connected with the project until the Fact-Finding Committee completes its inquiry and submits its findings,” Lyngdoh said.
He questioned the purpose of constituting the committee if the company was permitted to continue pursuing approvals while the inquiry remained underway.
The JNC also pointed out that several organisations had approached the courts and the National Green Tribunal over alleged environmental and procedural concerns relating to the project.
Seeks Clarity Over Alleged ₹1-Crore Payment
Lyngdoh further claimed that information gathered during the Council’s inquiry indicated that Shree Cement had paid approximately ₹1 crore to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board in connection with the conduct of the public hearing.
The JNC demanded complete transparency and clarification from the authorities regarding the alleged payment.
The claim could not be independently verified, and no response from Shree Cement or the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board was immediately available.
The Council also extended its support to the Khasi Students’ Union’s demands concerning the cement project.
Lyngdoh said an early resolution of the controversy would depend on the seriousness and promptness with which the State Government acted.
The JNC maintained that neither construction work nor administrative approvals connected with the Shree Cement project should proceed until the Fact-Finding Committee completes a transparent inquiry and arrives at a clear decision.
