Shillong, May 21: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Prestone Tynsong on Thursday clarified that the state government has not forcibly supported the Public Hearing related to Shree Cement Limited, alleging instead that many of those opposing the project have misunderstood the purpose of a Public Hearing.
Speaking to the media, Prestone Tynsong explained that the objective of a Public Hearing is to provide people with an opportunity to express their opinions, whether in support of or against a project. He expressed disappointment that protesters had instead resorted to demonstrations and marched to the office of the Deputy Commissioner to voice their opposition, which, according to him, should be presented during the Public Hearing itself.
He urged both supporters and opponents of Shree Cement Limited to participate in the Public Hearing and submit their views to the government through the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, rather than staging protests on the streets or in the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
He further stated that the government is bound to function according to legal procedures and that the public has every right to either oppose or support the project, depending on whether they believe it will benefit the people or adversely affect the environment. He added that the Public Hearing is the appropriate platform where citizens can officially present their views, whether in favour or against the proposal.
He further clarified that the government has not forcefully backed Shree Cement Limited, but is merely following legal provisions in conducting the Public Hearing. He added that any final decision would ultimately be taken based on the collective voice and opinion of the people expressed during the Public Hearing process.
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