SHILLONG : The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), Khliehriat Circle has strongly opposed the proposed 217.394-hectare limestone mining project at Lum Syrman in Elaka Nongkhlieh, East Jaintia Hills, demanding an immediate halt to the public hearing and scrapping of the project.
In a formal objection submitted to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), JSU President Livingson Sama warned that the Union would launch a district-wide democratic agitation if the clearance process continues, and escalate the matter to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Meghalaya High Court.
The Union described the project as legally flawed and environmentally dangerous, stating that authorities would be held accountable for any attempt to proceed with the clearance process.
JSU has demanded the immediate suspension of the public hearing, revocation of the Terms of Reference (TOR), and complete cancellation of the project, asserting that the land and environment cannot be compromised for corporate interests.
Raising legal concerns, the Union termed the classification of the project as ‘Category B1’ a violation of environmental norms. It argued that under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, any mining project exceeding 50 hectares must fall under ‘Category A’ and be assessed at the central level by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
According to JSU, the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Meghalaya has exceeded its authority by issuing the TOR for such a large-scale project, and therefore, the MSPCB cannot proceed with a public hearing based on what it calls an “invalid approval.”
The Union also raised serious environmental concerns, alleging that the draft EIA report downplays the ecological importance of the Wah Litein River, which it described as a critical lifeline for local communities. It warned that the proximity of the mining site to the river could lead to sedimentation and toxic runoff, especially in the absence of a proper buffer zone.
Further concerns were expressed regarding the fragile limestone terrain, including karst formations and ancient cave systems, which JSU said are crucial for groundwater systems in the region.
On the issue of land ownership, the Union questioned the legitimacy of the project, alleging that it is based on a disputed agreement for sale dated October 6, 2025. It claimed that the agreement attempts to transfer community tribal land to a private company in violation of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971.
JSU stated that it has already initiated legal proceedings to challenge the land transfer and insisted that no environmental clearance should be granted while ownership remains under dispute.
Calling the matter one of survival for indigenous communities, the Union said it would not allow further environmental degradation in Jaintia Hills, warning that it is prepared to take both legal and democratic action if its demands are ignored.
The letter has been described as a final formal warning to the concerned authorities.