SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union has strongly opposed the establishment of a cement plant and captive power plant by Meghatop Cement Company Pvt. Limited at Wahiajer village in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills.
In a letter to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, the Union expressed its opposition for establishing a 3.3 MTPA clinker plant, 2.8 MTPA cement plant and a 16 MW captive power plant at Wahiajer.
The student organization argued that the establishment of additional cement plants within a 5-kilometer radius, where there are already over 10 plants operating, is unacceptable.
Notably, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on October 18 regarding Meghatop Cement Pvt Ltd’s proposal to construct a cement plant in the region.
“The public hearing has been scheduled without consultation and approval of Dorbar Elaka. The provisional No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by Manbha Kyndoh, Doloi of Elaka, on November 3, 2022, for the project is not a legitimate NOC but merely an assurance. The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) has misused this to issue the NOC to Meghatop Cement Company,” KSU stated.
The students’ body claimed that a committee consisting of local representatives should be formed to ensure that the environmental and social development of the area is addressed effectively.
According to the Union, the district has already been facing severe environmental degradation due to the existing cement plants.
“These plants, along with biomass power plants, have severely polluted the environment in Narpuh and surrounding villages. The Urdula, Lunar and Lukha rivers are heavily polluted by toxic effluents from these factories,” it said.
The KSU further alleged that the proposed cement plant will require vast quantities of Limestone and coal, leading to large-scale mining, deforestation, and environmental degradation.
“Despite promises of local employment, past experiences have shown that job opportunities have largely been given to outsiders, which will lead to an influx of people from outside. This influx poses a threat to the local population,” it added.
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The KSU has urged the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board to withdraw the public hearing and prevent the expansion of the project that will exacerbate the ongoing environmental crisis.
The students’ body urged the Board to prioritize the well-being and rights of the people living in East Jaintia Hills.
