Lafarge rubbishes local claims on Meghalaya project

Lafarge has refuted the claims of some locals who are opposing the company’s proposed cement plant at Nongkhlei village in limestone rich Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.

Stating that it was like “killing the child before it was born”, a senior company official said Business Standard that a some locals were “short circuiting” the whole process by not adhering to the prescribed procedure as per law to air one’s grievances.

The proposed 1.1 million tonne greenfield integrated cement plant, which would probably be the largest-ever private sector investment in the region, hit a roadblock with some locals opposing it on environmental grounds.

 

Recently, people of the Nongkhlieh village foiled a move by officials of the district council to carry out a survey of the area and warned against issuing any no-objection certificate to the company. The company plans to pump in Rs 1,000 crore for the project.

“We went there only after we were granted permission by the local Dorbar (traditional tribal village council). A detailed MoU has been signed with the Elaka and witnessed by large number of people from the Elaka. So, to oppose it at this stage are both premature and unfounded,” the official added.

“There is a clear procedure for everything. The project is at a very preliminary stage. There will be a public hearing and also environment assessment done in the due course. If they have any concerns, they can air it at right platform at right time. Therefore, any apprehension raised at this stage about the environmental impact of the project is premature and unfounded. By opposing it right at this stage, they are killing the child before it was born,” he added.

He added, “The project is going to maintain the highest standards of environmental protection and use scientific mining techniques as per the best international practices, given Lafarge’s experience in operating across 78 countries around the world.”

A company statement further added, “The company is fully committed to environmental protection and total compliance with all environmental and statutory regulations. Besides, the project will not progress without conducting a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and obtaining all statutory clearances.”

The statement added, “The company, in line with the employment policy of the state, would give preference to the residents of Meghalaya for all employment opportunities.”