Shillong, Feb 6 NNN : Action against the eight cement companies alleged of flouting the forest and environment norms has been further delayed. The delay is due to the Central empowered committee (CEC) directives to the government of Meghalaya to constitute a Joint investigation committee (JIC) to re-examine the findings of the state constituted High level committee (KLC) findings that indicted eight cement plants operating in Jaintia Hills district of meghalya of breaching the laid norms.
The state constituted High level committee (HCL) findings submission in November 2011 categorically stated the cement industries have encroached on forest land while exploiting the raw materials.
The Congress led government has not taken action on the basis of the report. However, the Meghalaya minister in charge of forest and environment Prestone Tynsong instead told news persons in Shillong on Monday that joint investigation committee (JIC) comprising of state chief conservator of forest (CCF) and additional principal chief conservator of forest (APPCF) from the union ministry of forest and environment (MoEF) Regional Office has been constituted to re-examine into the allegations.
Tynsong stated, “Inspite of the HLC findings the central empowered committee felt that the state constituted HLC is not competent enough to define the forest area”.
“The JIC will re-verify and redefine such forest lands that were used and submit the report of the findings at the earliest”, further stated Tynsong, besides indicating that the report of the HLC is now redundant.
The constitution of a new committee involving thes tate chief conservator of forest (CCF) and additional principal chief conservator of forest (APPCF) from the union ministry of forest and environment (MoEF) came a s body blow to environmental organizations in Meghalya,particularly those who have been vocal in calling for an immediate ban on mining of limestone in the forest located under Khliehriat sub-division.
On Monday, the member of the Mait Shaphrang Movement met the State Minister in charge of Forest and environment Prestone Tynsong to demand for an immediate end to the alleged abuse of forest lands by the cement companies. Convener of mait shaphrang movement Michael Syiem bemoan on hearing about the constitution of another committee, saying that another exercise will only allow the cement companies to plunder the forest resources.
The eight cement companies which allegedly flouted the environmental and other laid norms includes, Cement Manufacture Co Ltd (Star Cement), Meghalaya Cement Ltd. (TOPCEM), Adhunik Cement Ltd., JUD Cement Private Ltd., Hill Cement Company Ltd., Goldstone Cement Ltd., Green Valley Industries Ltd., and Amrit Cement Industries Ltd.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cement-companies-flouting-rules/
