SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union has written to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, expressing their opposition to Star Cement Ltd’s proposed expansion of their mining lease in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills.
According to the Union, the mines fall under the Eco-Sensitive Zone of the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary and also near the Lukha River.
“Allowing Star Cement to expand its mining lease will lead to greater environmental destruction, harm local ecosystems, and have devastating effects on agriculture and the livelihoods of people in the area,” the KSU stated.
Notably, a public hearing is scheduled for October 8 in Brichyrnot Village to discuss Star Cement Ltd’s proposed expansion of its mining operations.
“The proposed location for Star Cement’s mining expansion is approximately 500 meters away from the Lunar River. If the company is granted permission to expand its operations, there is a high risk of various types of pollution being discharged into the Lunar River and subsequently into the Lukha River,” the Union said.
Even today, the activities of the cement company have resulted in both rivers becoming highly acidic, rendering them unsuitable for drinking, it said.
The students’ body claimed that Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, located in close proximity to the proposed mining site, is home to the endangered Hoolock Gibbons and other unique wildlife found only in Northeast India.
It further stated, “If the mining expansion is allowed to proceed, the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary could be transformed into a barren wasteland, devoid of all its inhabitants.”
The KSU stated that the requests to expand mines by various cement factories in the region would put the entire region in grave danger.
“The expansion of mining activities will lead to increased pollution, which could have devastating consequences for wildlife, potentially leading to extinction. Additionally, the region’s native herbal medicinal plants could disappear, causing irreparable damage to the ecosystem,” it said.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya: Khasi Students’ Union opposes new cement plant in East Jaintia Hills
The Union has appealed to the Board to call off the proposed public hearing that would seek permission from the public to start mining operations in the proposed site at Brichynot Village and not to grant permission to the company to expand its mines.
