Shillong, Oct 30: The District Administration of East Jaintia Hills today clarified on the matter arising over the public hearing of the proposed limestone and shale mining project in the district.
The Khasi Jaintia National Union (KJNU) had raised objection on holding of ‘public hearing’ at the premises of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, however, the administration officials said that the decision to hold the hearing was based on the directives issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC)
The public hearing for the proposed project is schedule for November 21 at DC Office Complex in Khliehriat.
On October 29, KJNU President Niman Shadap told media that they would launch protest if administration goes ahead with the hearing. Shadap had alleged that public hearing called by the office of the DC of East Jaintia Hills will hinder the people’s decision on the proposal of M/s Star Cement to expand the limestone quarry in Brishynrnnot.
They had also indicated ‘foul play’ between the cement factory and the DC of East Jaintia Hills, however, letter no F.NO J-11015/17/2019-19-IA-II (M) dated June 18, 2020 says its otherwise.
“We are only following the directives of the MoEF & CC by holding the public hearing”, an officer further told Hub News.
