All representations taken on record, to be examined: Govt
Shillong, Oct 16: Over 15 groups have deposed before the fact-finding committee on Shree Cement project during its first hearing conducted in Shillong on Friday.
“More than 15 or 16 groups appeared. People who have represented wanted to be heard, so we heard them today,” said the committee chairman Cyril V D Diengdoh, who is also the Commissioner and Secretary in-charge Home (Political).
The committee received representations both for and against the project.
“People have given representations both supporting the Shree Cement project and some have raised concerns,” Diengdoh said.
Stating that all depositions have been taken on record, he said, “All these will be examined. Whatever hearing we have done today, all these would be taken on record,” he said.
Dismissing allegations of it being a one-sided exercise, Diengdoh said officials will also be asked to submit reports.
“This is not the conclusion. All the facts will be examined. All the documents, all reports from the Pollution Control Board, from the DC, from the SP… Everything will be examined in toto,” he said.
He clarified that the hearing was meant for those who had submitted representations, including villagers and organisations, some of whom came to explain their support for the project.
On demands that the hearing be held at the project site, he said, “Whatever people have said in hearing, we have noted it down and we will accordingly act.”
The panel chief said it was premature to comment on the merits of the case and that the next sitting is yet to be decided.
“Today we just had the hearing, so let us take it step by step. We will examine all the documents and facts and accordingly take a decision,” Diengdoh said, adding that all those called for the hearing appeared before the committee.
