The Meghalaya government has assured citizens that it will thoroughly examine the growing objections against a proposed limestone mining project at Daistong village in the Jaintia Hills. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar confirmed that the state will review grievances raised by local residents and pressure groups before taking a final stance on the project.
The announcement followed a crucial meeting between the Deputy Chief Minister and representatives from the Jaintia National Council, the Jaintia Students’ Union, and local villagers. The delegation submitted a formal petition alleging significant irregularities in both the public hearing framework and the environmental clearance process.
The tension surrounding the project escalated earlier in the day when youth organisations from Jaintia Hills staged a massive protest rally in Shillong. Security forces intervened to stop the demonstrators as they attempted to march toward the secretariat.
Addressing the core grievances, Deputy Chief Minister Dhar noted that the environmental clearance concerns fall under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department, which is led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Dhar emphasized that the government must verify whether all due legal and administrative processes were strictly followed. He stated that he would coordinate directly with the Chief Minister upon his return to the station.
Public anxiety has intensified ahead of a crucial public hearing scheduled for May 22. Local communities and pressure groups continue to voice strong opposition, citing explicit violations of environmental and land laws. Opponents fear the massive limestone project will lead to irreversible ecological damage and severe livelihood losses for the region’s residents.