SHILLONG, MAY 18: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday said the government will examine objections raised against the proposed public hearing for Shree Cement, after the Jaintia Students Union (JSU) and Jaintia National Council (JNC) staged a protest march demanding its immediate cancellation.
The two groups are opposing the hearing citing an “illegal” Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and alleged violation of the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act.
“Today some NGO leaders and some people from the village itself met me and I told them that since the petition have been received by me I will examine the matter,” Dhar told reporters.
“I cannot say we will stop it or we will continue it, we will examine it first.”
Asked about the delay in a decision, the Deputy CM said Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who also holds the Forest portfolio, is out of station.
“That is the reason as CM is not in station. When he comes we will have a meeting as mainly they object about the environmental clearances,” Dhar said.
“This falls under forest, I have to inform the chief minister since he is incharge of forest.”
On the specific issues flagged by the protestors, he noted concerns related to agricultural land. “They have flagged this issue related to paddy field,” he said.
“To set up cement plant, always may be from the company and the government’s departments must follow the process accordingly. We are yet to find out whether processes are being followed accordingly or not.”
Dhar said he has sought time to consult the Chief Minister on the matter. “That is the reason why I requested them time so that I will discuss the issue with the chief minister accordingly,” he said.
Responding to questions on the warning by protesting groups that the law-and-order situation could deteriorate if the hearing is not cancelled, Dhar said, “We will see. It should not be in that line.”
By Our Reporter
