SHILLONG, MAY 21: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Thursday said those opposing the public hearing on the Shree Cement factory are “mistaken” and urged them to raise concerns at the hearing instead of protesting elsewhere.
“We are always open for discussion. When there is any kind of misunderstanding, we are always there to resolve the issue. But now those people who are against the public hearing, I think that is wrong. They are mistaken,” Tynsong told reporters.
He said the hearing is the proper forum to gauge public sentiment. “When we say public hearing, what is it? It is to know the mind of the people, the stakeholders, whether you want to have a cement factory or not. That is very clear,” he said.
Citing regulations, the Deputy CM stressed that the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board is mandated to conduct the hearing. “So, if you are against it, go there. The provisions of the regulations clearly indicate that the Pollution Control Board has to conduct the public hearing,” he said.
“So, the public will prove, whether you are in favor or against it. It’s simple. So, I request these agitators, please don’t misunderstand. Please understand the stages of procedures and attend the public hearing and raise your concern over there in the public hearing,” Tynsong added.
Questioning protests held outside the designated venue, he said, “I don’t understand why they are protesting at the DC office or other places. Why not do it there? When you are concerned, please do it there. We are very transparent.”
He dismissed allegations that the government was forcing the project through.
“Please, they should not misunderstand that the government is acting by force. What do you mean we are acting by force? If we were acting by force, there would not even be a public hearing. The work would have gone ahead directly,” he said.
“Regarding this agitation by those who say they oppose the public hearing, I want to say here that your thinking is wrong. Why don’t you want the public hearing to take place? Because the provision is that the office of the Pollution Control Board wants to know what is the concern, what is the feeling of the people, whether the proposal to set up a cement factory is right or not. That’s why the public hearing is being held,” Tynsong said.
He called on opponents to use the hearing to flag issues. “I want to clarify to those who are unhappy, who are opposing: please give your suggestions at the public hearing. That is the reason the public hearing has been specifically arranged — to get all opinions and thoughts, whether you talk about environmental issues or economic issues. All of that should be raised at the public hearing,” he said.
