Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Prestone Tynsong has defended the proposed public hearing for Shree Cement’s limestone mining project at Lum Syrman in East Jaintia Hills. Tynsong stated that the hearing is a mandatory legal process and not an indication that the project has already received government approval. The public hearing is part of the environmental clearance process for Shree Cement Limited’s proposed Lum Syrman Limestone Block-A mining project in Elaka Nongkhlieh, East Jaintia Hills.
The project has sparked sharp divisions among local residents and community organisations, with some opposing it over concerns about its environmental impact and implications for local communities. Others have backed the project, citing employment opportunities and economic benefits. Tynsong noted that while there has been vocal opposition to the project, there is also significant local support for it.
On Thursday, police fired tear gas shells and resorted to a lathi charge to disperse protesters in East Jaintia Hills, where demonstrators had blocked roads leading to the public hearing venue demanding that the hearing be postponed. The district administration had stepped up security ahead of the public hearing amid fears of unrest. Tynsong said the state government has directed the district administration to remain proactive in maintaining law and order.
The Deputy Chief Minister stressed that the environmental public hearing is a statutory requirement under India’s environmental clearance process and is intended to gather public opinion before any decision is taken. Responding to concerns raised by environmental groups and local organisations, Tynsong said the government shares those concerns but insisted that environmental safeguards cannot be compromised.
Highlighting the economic dimension of the proposal, Tynsong said several residents of East Jaintia Hills have sought the establishment of more cement industries in the district, citing the benefits experienced in villages where such industries already operate. The Home Minister reiterated that the government’s immediate concern is ensuring peace during the hearing.
Tynsong also addressed allegations that police used excessive force during the protests, stating that he has not yet received the official report. The public hearing was scheduled to take place on Friday, with the government’s primary focus on maintaining law and order during the event.
