Shillong : Residents and landowners of Daistong Village under Elaka Nongkhlieh in East Jaintia Hills District have strongly opposed the proposed limestone mining project of Shree Cement Limited and demanded the cancellation of the Environmental Public Hearing scheduled for May 22.
In a representation submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Khliehriat, the villagers protested against the proposed “Lum Syrman Limestone Block–A” mining project covering 217.394 hectares, including the installation of primary and secondary crushers by M/s Shree Cement Limited.
The residents also opposed the Environmental Public Hearing planned at Lum Syrman on May 22, stating that the mining proposal is directly linked to the earlier Integrated Cement Plant Project proposed in Daistong village, which had already faced strong opposition from the community.
According to the representation, serious objections had earlier been raised over alleged procedural irregularities during the Environmental Public Hearing conducted on December 19, 2025.
Describing themselves as a predominantly agrarian community, the residents stated that the proposed mining activities threaten their livelihood, food security, agricultural land, and traditional way of life.
The villagers highlighted that the proposed project area includes fertile paddy fields known as the “rice bowl of Daistong,” important water bodies such as Wah Nare and Wah Brisynni, drinking water sources, community forests, and ecologically sensitive zones rich in biodiversity.
They expressed fears that the mining operations could lead to irreversible environmental damage, including contamination of water sources, destruction of agricultural land, soil degradation, and ecological imbalance.
The representation also raised concerns regarding the legality of the project process, alleging that a no objection certificate was issued without the consent of the Dorbar Shnong of Daistong village. The residents further claimed there was no free, prior, and informed consent from the community and alleged unlawful inclusion of private and community land within the project boundary without the knowledge of the rightful landowners.
The villagers further pointed out the ecological sensitivity of the region, citing the proximity of important cave systems such as Liatprah and Labit, interconnected river-cave ecosystems, forest areas, and the Leteiñ River and Leteiñ Valley.
According to the representation, any large-scale industrial activity in the area could severely impact the natural heritage systems and the socio-cultural fabric of the indigenous community.
Referring to the previous public hearing, the residents alleged that obstruction, intimidation, and blocking of access routes had prevented affected villagers from participating, thereby violating principles of natural justice and provisions under the EIA Notification, 2006.
The representation concluded by urging the authorities to immediately cancel the proposed Environmental Public Hearing scheduled for May 22, 2026, and to ensure that no further action is taken on the mining proposal in the interest of environmental protection and the welfare of the affected indigenous community.