Shillong, March 20: A veneer-manufacturing plant at Umiam MIDC area has allegedly violated established norms related to operation, permission and labour rights, prompting the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) to demand suspension of its operation.
According to HITO, the Riangdo Veneer Private Limited operates bandsaw and peeling machinery without permits, stores unmarked timber, and keeps 400–500 labourers in unsafe conditions.
During an “inspection” by HITO members on March 18 in order to promote local jobs, they found “large machinery … in use without the necessary permits or documentation”, HITO stated in its complaint to Chief Forest Officer.
The unit holds only an allotment letter and lacks operating clearances for the MIDC plot, HITO said.
“Many of these workers are reportedly subjected to gruelling 12‑hour shifts … compensation … does not correspond fairly with the demands of their labor,” HITO president Donbok Dkhar said, describing waste sites as unmaintained and on‑site housing inadequate.
Logs examined bore no hammer marks to show authorised origin, raising serious questions about environmental compliance.
HITO asked the department to withhold any new licence and renewal, saying stricter measures are needed “as it impacts not only the livelihoods of many individuals but also the integrity of our natural resources.”
Meanwhile, HITO has written another letter to Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd (MeECPL) seeking an explanation for what it calls “substantial” storage of timber and machinery by Riangdo Veneer Pvt Ltd on MeECL property at Umiam MIDC area “without proper authorization”.
Pointing at the “large‑scale stocking of materials on government land”, the HITO said, “This practice may not only be a violation of regulations… but also appears to be occurring without the requisite lease agreements or prior authorisation from your office.”
HITO urged MeECL to clarify statutes governing the use of its land for private purposes and, if the allegation is confirmed, to secure the materials and take action under relevant legal provisions to rectify this situation and prevent further non‑compliance.
