JNC files complaint with MSPCB over Shree Cement public hearing, alleges multiple EIA violations

SHILLONG, APR 30: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has filed a complaint with the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) against the public hearing for Shree Cement at Nongkhlieh in East Jaintia Hills district, scheduled for May 22, citing alleged violations in the company’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

The complaint was submitted by a delegation led by JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh after discussions with the Member Secretary of the MSPCB.

“We want to clarify that our intention is not to oppose development, but to address the violations of the following laws,” Lyngdoh said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The JNC’s first objection concerns jurisdiction.

“Firstly, this project does not fall under the State’s jurisdiction. As per the EIA Notification 2006, any mining lease exceeding 50 hectares is classified as a Category A project, which is under the Central Government’s jurisdiction through the MoEF&CC,” Lyngdoh said.

“The Shree Cement mine spans 217 hectares, significantly exceeding the threshold. The SEIAA, Meghalaya lacks the authority or legal basis to issue a ToR for this project. Consequently, any actions taken under that ToR, including this public hearing, are illegal and void in the eyes of the law.”

He added that when the issue was raised, “the MS of MSPCB was contacted, he mentioned that the Government of India has amended the EIA threshold from 50 hectares to 250 hectares, but the major mineral regulations must still adhere to the General Condition of the Terms of Reference.”

The second violation, according to JNC, relates to the applicability of the EIA itself.

“Secondly, this EIA was specifically prepared for a project in Gujarat. The first page of the EIA’s Preamble explicitly states, in the consultant’s own words: ‘The primary objective of this EIA report is to obtain prior environmental clearance from the Environmental Impact Assessment Authority of the State of Gujarat,’” Lyngdoh said.

“This indicates that this EIA is not applicable to Meghalaya. Why is a public hearing being proposed in Meghalaya?” he asked.

“Lastly, Shree Cement has submitted this EIA without an approved Mining Plan from the Indian Bureau of Mines. According to their EIA, a mine cannot proceed without an approved Mining Plan, as per legal regulations,” he said.

The JNC also flagged environmental categorisation.
“Fourthly, the Saipung Reserve Forest is distinctly situated just 4.26 km from the project site, as indicated by the EIA. The EIA notification of 2006 states that areas within 5 km are classified as category A, yet the EIA asserts that it is categorized as B.”

Refering to the Disaster Management Plan, Lyngdoh said the mine’s Disaster Management Plan (DMP) is baseless, as it proposes a seismic safety zone or earthquake protection zone that the Government of India has already revoked in March 2026.

“The report indicates that Shree Cement submitted the EIA on April 7, which was 35 days after the withdrawal from the Gazette of India. This implies that they intend to base our land protection plan on an obsolete law.”

“There are additional violations committed by Shree Cement, yet government bodies such as SEIAA and MSPCB have proceeded to conduct public hearings without properly reviewing the relevant documents and regulations,” Lyngdoh alleged.

Drawing a parallel with recent enforcement drives, he said, “Recently, we have observed that the government, through the police department, has made significant efforts to address the issue of black-tinted vehicle windows and other infractions. However, the pressing question remains: how do we confront Shree Cement? This constitutes a breach of the law.”

“This inquiry will also be directed to the Chief Minister, who oversees the Forest and Mining Department; what actions will he take in response?” he added.

Appealing to local residents, Lyngdoh said, “The union also conveys a message to the residents of Nongkhlieh Elaka, who are the rightful landowners: remember that when this company approaches to purchase land for mining, it is not the land they seek, but the mineral resources contained within it.”

“The clear message is: ‘Do not sell your land at the expense of your property.’ The acquisition of land by companies resembles the purchase of jhur; even land for residential construction is now priced at thousands per square foot, and how much land does 217 hectares encompass? Do not be swayed by temporary wealth; instead, let us learn to care for our land with a long-term perspective.”

“We strongly encourage the government to take action regarding this matter, and we also call on the Chief Minister to clarify these issues to the public that the party has already addressed,” Lyngdoh said.

“Furthermore, we pose a significant question: how is it possible that the approval from the State Environmental Appraisal Committee of the Gujarat government is ineffective in Meghalaya?”