SHILLONG : The Khasi Students Union (KSU), East Jaintia Hills District Unit, has opposed the proposed limestone mining and factory expansion project of Shree Cement in Elaka Nongkhlieh Daistong, East Jaintia Hills, and questioned the timing of the public hearing scheduled for July 31, 2026.
The KSU delegation met Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) Member Secretary Dr G H Chyrmang on the morning of July 28 to convey the organisation’s opposition to the proposed project.
Speaking to the media, KSU president Streamly Suchen said the organisation’s opposition was also supported by residents of the Elaka, who, he claimed, were concerned that the proposed limestone mining and expansion of the Shree Cement factory could affect agricultural land and the livelihoods of farmers in the area.
Suchen said the delegation was informed by the MSPCB Member Secretary that the public hearing would proceed as scheduled.
However, he questioned the decision to hold the hearing at 8 AM, saying the timing could make it difficult for members of the public to attend and participate.
The KSU leader pointed out that normal government office working hours begin at 10 AM and questioned why the public hearing had been scheduled two hours earlier.
The organisation has also urged the MSPCB to ask the district authorities not to obstruct or restrict people from travelling to the venue to attend the public hearing.
The KSU stressed that residents should be allowed to freely participate in the public hearing and express their views on the proposed limestone mining and Shree Cement factory expansion project.
The public hearing is scheduled to be held on July 31, 2026, in connection with the proposed project in Elaka Nongkhlieh Daistong.