SHILLONG, NOV 14: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has accused the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) of acting as if it has been “bought” by Shree Cement, alleging that the committee pushed ahead with clearance for the company’s limestone mining project even while a government Fact-Finding Committee is still examining the matter.
In a statement issued on Saturday, JNC chief Sambormi Lyngdoh questioned the process surrounding Shree Cement’s proposed 217-hectare limestone mining project at Lum Syrman in Elaka Nongkhlieh, East Jaintia Hills.
“Ever since Shree Cement entered Meghalaya, particularly Elaka Nongkhlieh in East Jaintia Hills, where the project is located, we have witnessed numerous problems arising from this company, including the use of gangs, the state police and government departments to trample upon the rights of the public,” Lyngdoh said.
Lyngdoh said the organisation had learned that at a meeting last month, the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) considered a letter from SEAC seeking approval for Environmental Clearance and Consent to Establish (CTE) for the project, after SEAC had approved all requirements relating to Shree Cement.
SEAC is the committee responsible for examining documents of companies applying for environmental clearance.
However, Lyngdoh said SEIAA has not yet agreed to grant environmental clearance, stating that the matter remains under examination by the state government’s Fact-Finding Committee and that no decision can be taken yet. It has referred the matter back to SEAC for re-examination of the necessary documents.
“As an organisation, when we look at SEAC’s actions, it appears as though it has been bought by Shree Cement,” Lyngdoh said.
“Even while the matter is being examined by the Fact-Finding Committee, SEAC has shown no regard for this process and has proceeded with matters relating to Shree Cement,” he added.
Lyngdoh pointed to what he called a conflict in roles, noting that the person serving as Member Secretary of SEAC is also the Member Secretary of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), which conducted the public hearing. That person is G H Chyrmang, MFS.
“There is something going on behind the scenes,” Lyngdoh said.
He said civil society organisations, along with residents of Elaka Nongkhlieh, particularly those holding pattas and rights over Lum Syrman, had only a few days ago participated in the public hearing convened by the Fact-Finding Committee in Shillong.
“We are therefore surprised and puzzled that the Appraisal Committee has shown no regard for this committee, which was specifically constituted to hear the voices of residents who did not get an opportunity to express themselves at the public hearing conducted by the MSPCB,” Lyngdoh said.
Referring to the JSU’s court case, Lyngdoh said even the High Court continues to recognise the Fact-Finding Committee, directing and allowing the JSU to present its submissions before the FFC.
“SEAC, however, has disregarded the Fact-Finding Committee and acted as though it were unaware of its existence,” he said.
“Do these committees of the state government not respect the steps taken by the government, such as constituting the FFC?” he asked.
“If SEAC is fully aware of this and still acts in such a manner, it demonstrates the government’s double standards,” he added.
Lyngdoh said the Appraisal Committee’s actions suggest something is going on behind the scenes concerning the Fact-Finding Committee.
“Perhaps the FFC is merely a tactic of the state government to divert the public’s attention,” he said.
“If the FFC is genuinely above board, we want the state government to take strict action against the Appraisal Committee,” he added.
He warned that if the Appraisal Committee is acting with the full knowledge of the state government, it would mean Shree Cement has already bought the committee, and the FFC would merely serve as a cover-up for the relationship between the state government and Shree Cement.
“The FFC’s convening of a public hearing in Shillong serves no purpose if the Appraisal Committee continues to process documents arising from the very same public hearing conducted by the MSPCB,” Lyngdoh said.
By Our Reporter
