Shillong, Meghalaya — The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed handover of forest land known as CTI Byrni for industrial development, calling it incompatible with the Meghalaya government’s conservation mission.
In a formal letter addressed to the Director of the state’s Soil & Water Conservation Department, HITO highlighted potential environmental, social, and economic threats posed by the plan, stressing that the forest’s development into an industrial zone would harm the community’s well-being and jeopardize future generations.
Expressing its commitment to the preservation of natural resources, HITO underscored that transforming forest land for industrial purposes contradicts the mission of the Soil & Water Conservation Department. “As an organization dedicated to the preservation and management of our natural resources, we find this move incompatible with the department’s mission to protect soil, water, and vegetation,” the letter read.
HITO’s letter outlined several critical concerns regarding the conversion of CTI Byrni, including:
- Loss of Biodiversity: HITO warned that a shift to industrial use would put the rich diversity of plant and animal life in jeopardy, potentially leading to the extinction of species and the erosion of natural flora.
- Ecosystem Disruption: The group highlighted the risk of disrupting the local ecosystem’s natural balance, which could have irreversible effects on the area’s environmental sustainability.
- Deforestation and Habitat Destruction: The proposed clearing of trees and habitats, HITO argued, would not only endanger wildlife but also lead to soil erosion, desertification, and a transformation of the natural landscape.
- Increased Pollution: Industrial operations often result in air and water pollution, posing a direct threat to local resources and degrading residents’ quality of life.
- Climate Change Impacts: With forests playing a vital role in carbon sequestration, HITO noted that the loss of green cover would contribute to climate change, counteracting efforts to combat global warming.
- Contamination of Water Sources: HITO raised concerns about potential industrial pollution compromising local water bodies, which could threaten the community’s access to clean drinking water.
- Public Health Risks: The group cited potential health impacts from increased pollution, which could result in higher rates of respiratory and other pollution-related illnesses among residents.
- Negative Impact on Local Livelihoods: Many community members depend on the forest’s natural resources for agriculture and sustainable forestry. Industrialization, HITO argued, would jeopardize these livelihoods, disrupting the local economy and food security.
“In light of these critical concerns, we earnestly urge you to reconsider this proposal,” HITO’s letter concluded. “We implore you to prioritize the health and sustainability of our community, the surrounding environment, and the well-being of generations to come.”
The proposed development at CTI Byrni has stirred significant local concern, reflecting a larger debate in Meghalaya around balancing economic development with environmental preservation. As the state deliberates on its next steps, HITO’s opposition highlights the stakes for communities reliant on natural resources and underlines the need for sustainable development strategies that respect both ecological and social impacts.
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