A public hearing for the expansion of Star Cement Meghalaya Limited’s limestone mine was conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board at Bri Shyrnot village in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.
The hearing received a green signal for obtaining mining clearance from the Ministry of Forest and Environment.
The proposed expansion covers about 65 hectares. Approximately 30 individuals shared their views and suggestion with most supporting Star Cement, while KSU Narpuh and three others strongly opposed the expansion.
Bri Shyrnot village Headman, Stanly Massar, stated that limestone mining will benefit the village through various development activities and provide youth employment. “Star Cement has helped our youth, students, and school,” Massar added, citing free books for students, appointment of two school teachers, and other benefits, including health facilities.
However, KSU Narpuh Unit Vice President Phanual Tongper expressed concerns that the expansion will harm the Lunar and Lukha rivers and local wildlife. Tongper noted that the mining area is near the Narpuh reserved forest, a wildlife sanctuary and sensitive zone designated by the Ministry of Forest and Environment.
However, the Assistant General Manager of the Administration Department at Star Cement, Siddharth Banerjee, said that the mine site is about 2 km from the sensitive zone and about 1 km from the wildlife sanctuary. He expressed his happiness that the residents of Bri Shyrnot village and its neighbors have extended their full support to the proposed expansion of the mining site by Star Cement Meghalaya Limited.
