Shillong, Oct 29: Over 50% of the 3,300 hectare (ha) land covered by nine cement companies in East Jaintia Hills was identified as forest land as per surveys carried out a decade ago, but no action has been taken yet to resolve the issue.
“Combined outcome of assessments carried out by joint inspection teams in 2012 and 2013 indicate that a troubling proportion – over 50% – of the total land held by these nine cement companies consists of forest land,” alleged Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) in its petition to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
“(We) seek your clarification regarding the lack of subsequent action taken against the cement companies operating in the East Jaintia Hills district,” stated the letter submitted to the additional principal chief conservator of forest, MoEFCC, NE Regional Office, Shillong.
The HITO also raised issues of environmental pollution and subsequent health hazard posed to residents around the cement plants in the region and the JHADC’s lack of proper documentation on village forests and community forests.
According to HITO, the joint inspection teams after conducting their assessments in 2012 and 2013 reported that the land acquired by the cement companies consists of 838 ha classified as forest land, 1,254 ha non-forest land, and 58 ha categorised as unresolved.
The first inspection team on August 31, 2012 managed to inspect 2,150 ha of the total 3,292 ha land declared by the cement companies, the HITO said adding, “It is noteworthy that the first team was unable to inspect the remaining 1,140 ha, raising concern over thoroughness of the assessment.”
The second team conducted its assessment on April 18, 2013 for the remaining 1,140 ha associated with five companies.
“They were also charged with resolving the disputed classification of the 57.56 hectares belonging to Meghalaya Cement Limited (Top Cem). Unfortunately, M/S JUDCL did not facilitate access for inspecting 272.537 hectares, and MCL withdrew 84.72 hectares from inspection at the last moment, citing objections from local stakeholders,” the letter stated while adding, “Ultimately, the second Joint Inspection Team was able to resolve the status of the 57.56 hectares, concluding that 6 hectares were forested while 51.57 hectares were deemed non-forests. Additionally, they inspected 753.34 hectares, determining that 72.48 hectares were forest land and 679.06 hectares were non-forest land.”
“Moreover, it is essential to highlight that the Jaintia Hills District Autonomous Council lacks proper documentation regarding village forests and community forests, which constitute a significant portion of the area’s natural woodlands. Despite this, they have issued certificates for various parcels of land that are not officially documented as forests according to the JHADC’s records, thereby classifying them in a manner that neglects their true ecological significance,” it added.
In light of these observations, the HITO also questioned whether the office recognizes the serious implications of this situation.
“Furthermore, we question your awareness of the MoEFCC’s likely position against granting environmental clearance for the establishment of a cement factory in a residential area. Such operations are associated with significant adverse environmental impacts, raising profound concerns for public health. The emissions from cement factories—including substantial dust, particulate matter, and harmful gases like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide—pose serious risks to air quality, potentially leading to respiratory issues for nearby residents,” HITO president Donbok Dkhar said.
