Farmers and landowners of Shnongrim village under Nongkhlieh Elaka have sought an independent inquiry into allegations that they were prevented from attending the statutory environmental public hearing for Shree Cement Company’s proposed integrated cement plant and limestone mining project at Lum Syrman.
The public hearing, conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Alertson Nongbri, lasted for 46 minutes. Following the hearing, villagers submitted memorandums to the MSPCB and the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, with copies forwarded to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), seeking a fair investigation into the matter.
According to the villagers, around 7 am on the day of the hearing, they were stopped at Lad Shnongrim along the N.E.C. Main Road by a large police presence. They alleged that they were informed that instructions had been issued to prevent those opposing the project from attending the hearing.
The villagers stated that their earlier request to allow landowners to participate in the hearing was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner on July 29 but was not acted upon. They have urged authorities to withhold any clearance or no-objection certificate for the project until their concerns are addressed and due process is ensured.
The issue has also reached the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission, following a complaint by the Jaintia Students’ Union alleging intimidation and disruptions during the hearing. Meanwhile, MSPCB officials stated that the hearing report will be submitted to the SEIAA for further consideration.