Shillong, April 28: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has demanded an investigation into alleged land grabbing at Lum Syrman, a site for the proposed limestone mining project by Shree Cement Limited located under Elaka Nongkhlieh of East Jaiñtia Hills District.
In a letter sent today to State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) Chairman Yusuf S. Shullai, the HITO also urged him to direct the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) to cancel the public hearing for the proposed limestone mining project scheduled on May 22.
According to the HITO, numerous complaints have been received from farmers and land owners about land grabbing at Lum Syrman. It also said that land was taken forcefully by certain persons without prior consent or payment of compensation to the land owners.
Demanding thorough investigation by SEIAA into these allegations, the HITO said that such an enquiry is imperative to comprehensively assess the social, economic and environmental implications of the proposed limestone mining project.
It may be noted that Shree Cement Limited which has decided to set up a cement factory at Daistong in East Jaiñtia Hills has proposed to mine limestone from Lum Syrman in an extensive area of 217.394 hectares. The company has proposed to install both primary and secondary crushers for the mining project.
