Lafarge pays nearly Rs.130 crore to Meghalaya for development

Lafarge Umiam Mining Private Limited (LUMPL), a subsidiary of French firm Lafarge, has deposited nearly Rs. 130 crore with the Meghalaya government for developmental work in the mining village areas, the state assembly was told on Friday.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, told the house during the question hour, said the French firm has deposited Rs.120,68,08,200 with the government through the Special Purpose Vehicle society for taking up development activities in villages within 50 km radius of the mining area.

However, Leader of Opposition Donkupar Roy said that few villages locating close to the project area of Lafarge were not included for taking up development activities but instead villages which are located far away from the project area were included.

"The government should use the Google map to identify the villages falling within the project area of Lafarge by following the definition given in the ruling of the supreme court," said the veteran United Democratic Party legislator.

However, Sangma said that the Special Purpose Vehicle society has worked out the areas that should be included for taking up development activities without deviating from the ruling of the Supreme Court.

"If some villages were not included, the Special Purpose Vehicle society would look into it," he assured.

The LUMPL has been depositing crores of money towards the Special Purpose Vehicle to carry out socio-economic development like health, education, economy, irrigation and agriculture within the 50 km radius of the project area at Nongtrai-Shella in East Khasi Hills district as per the court directive.