Shillong, Feb 15: Shillong MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon has urged the Centre to immediately freeze the environmental clearance process for a proposed integrated cement plant in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, citing alleged procedural lapses and concerns over cumulative environmental impacts.
In a representation to Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, Syngkon called for suspension of ongoing proceedings related to the project proposed by Shree Cement Limited at Dalstong village, pending an independent review.
The proposed project comprises a 0.95 million tonnes per annum (TPA) clinker unit, a 0.99 million TPA cement grinding unit, a 15 MW captive power plant, a 7 MW waste heat recovery system, and associated infrastructure spread across 25.08 hectares.
Syngkon pointed out that East Jaintia Hills already hosts multiple cement and extractive industries and cautioned against assessing projects in isolation without examining their cumulative regional impact. He warned of potential risks to air quality, groundwater reserves, river systems, agricultural land, and forest cover.
Granting environmental clearance without a comprehensive cumulative impact assessment, he argued, would run counter to principles of sustainable development and the precautionary doctrine recognised in Indian environmental jurisprudence.
The MP also referred to representations from local residents alleging serious deficiencies in the statutory public hearing conducted under the EIA Notification, 2006. According to the complaints cited in his letter, villagers were allegedly obstructed from participating and the consultation process lacked transparency and meaningful engagement.
“If established, such irregularities would undermine the integrity of the environmental clearance process,” Syngkon stated, urging an independent inquiry before any further administrative action.
Highlighting that Meghalaya falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, he stressed the need for careful scrutiny of tribal land rights and customary tenure systems. He called for verification of compliance with the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971, and clarity regarding the issuance of no-objection certificates related to the project.
Proceeding without addressing these issues, he cautioned, could lead to constitutional complications and public unrest in the region.
Syngkon requested the Ministry to immediately halt further processing of the environmental clearance application and institute an independent review covering the public hearing process, cumulative environmental assessment, and statutory land safeguards. He also urged authorities not to grant final clearance until the findings of such a review are formally recorded.
Invoking Article 21 of the Constitution, he emphasised that environmental protection and livelihood security are integral to the right to life. “As the elected representative of the affected constituency, I am duty-bound to convey the gravity of public concern,” he said, adding that he may pursue parliamentary and institutional remedies if the matter advances without a satisfactory review.
