Northeast Desk, 14th September: A legislative committee from Meghalaya conducted inspections of several cement and coke plants in the East Jaintia Hills, scrutinizing their environmental impact. The Committee on Environment, led by Chairperson Wailadmiki Shylla, visited facilities including Jaintia Coke Pvt. Ltd., Dalmia Cement Bharat Ltd., and Star Cement at Lumshnong.
During the inspections, the committee expressed significant concerns regarding air quality, quarrying practices, and the need for stronger environmental safeguards. Chairperson Shylla emphasized the importance of balancing industrial development with environmental preservation. He called for a detailed list of all coke plants and quarries in the region, particularly those operating illegally.
A notable issue raised was the lack of local employment at the inspected plants. Shylla voiced disappointment, noting, “When I enter the factories, I feel like I’m in Assam or other states, not Meghalaya.” He urged the facilities to prioritize hiring local residents, especially from nearby communities.
Committee member Mayralborn Syiem recommended regular third-party monitoring of air quality and requested updated reports from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB). He also emphasized consistent environmental efforts, including water sprinkling and year-round tree planting.
Sosthenes Sohtun, another committee member, urged the adoption of sustainable limestone quarrying regulations to minimize environmental damage. Additionally, MLA Santa Mary Shylla referred to the inspections as a “wake-up call” and encouraged companies and miners to actively engage in environmental restoration by replanting trees in mined areas.
While the committee acknowledged the employment opportunities provided by the seven cement companies present at Star Cement, they noted the limited impact on the local economy and a lack of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives focused on environmental protection.
At the conclusion of the inspections, the committee directed the MSPCB to submit a comprehensive report on the number of coke plants in Jaintia Hills and requested ambient air quality data from December for comparison with monsoon season records.
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