Shillong: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday rejected allegations that the state government had bypassed procedures to facilitate the proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills, asserting that all statutory norms and clearances were being followed.
His remarks came amid growing opposition to the proposed cement plant and after a public hearing for the project was cancelled following protests and strong public resentment in the district.
Responding to questions on allegations raised by pressure groups and NGOs over alleged environmental violations, Sangma said the government could not approve any large-scale industrial project without adhering to laid-down procedures.
"Procedures are defined for every industrial project. For the government, it is not possible not to follow procedures, especially for larger projects," the chief minister said.
He dismissed allegations that the government was attempting to push the project through by overlooking environmental concerns.
"There is no question of any bulldozing here. There's no question of flouting any rules. All rules and procedures will be followed for all projects," he added.
Sangma said people were free to raise objections and concerns during the mandated process, but maintained that the administration remained committed to ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements.
The chief minister also rejected suggestions that the government was favouring particular companies in major infrastructure and industrial projects.
"If favouring is there, it will be out in the open," he said while responding to another question regarding allegations linked to Public Health Engineering (PHE) contracts.
"These are investments worth thousands of crores. Such projects cannot happen just because somebody wants them to happen. They have to proceed only on the basis of procedures that are in place," he added.
The proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills has triggered protests from local residents, environmental groups and pressure organisations, who have raised concerns over the environmental and ecological impact of the project.
Opposition intensified ahead of the scheduled public hearing, with protesters alleging that the project area falls close to forest reserves and environmentally sensitive zones.
NGOs and local groups also claimed that the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) was either inadequate or failed to address concerns related to forests, water sources and local livelihoods.
Tensions escalated on the day of the hearing as protesters gathered at the venue demanding cancellation of the exercise. Demonstrators argued that affected communities had not been properly consulted and alleged that the project could lead to environmental degradation in a region already hosting several cement and mining operations.
Following the protests and public opposition, authorities cancelled the hearing for the time being.
The controversy has since sparked a wider debate over industrial expansion, environmental safeguards and community consent in Meghalaya's resource-rich districts.
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