Amid mounting opposition to the proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills and the Khasi Students’ Union’s 15-day ultimatum to the Meghalaya Government to cancel the public hearing, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday said the Government would not rush into a decision and was engaging with different groups to assess the concerns surrounding the project. The statement comes at a time when the proposed limestone project has emerged as a contentious issue, with questions being raised over the public hearing process, local participation and the manner in which the project is being pursued.
Sangma said the Government was consulting various stakeholders and would take a decision only after hearing all sides, stressing that the views of people living in and around the project area would also have to be taken into account.
“We are engaging with different organizations and looking at all aspects. As you are aware, the other side also, the story is that there are a lot of local people in that particular area who are involved, and they are very happy and have supported the industry coming in,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister said the Government would therefore seek to bring all stakeholders into the discussion before deciding the way forward.
“So, therefore, We have to take all stakeholders into confidence. We have to ensure that we speak to everybody. The engagement is on, and after discussion and engagement, we will see how to proceed,” he said.
The Government’s position assumes significance following the KSU’s demand for cancellation of the public hearing and its 15-day ultimatum, placing renewed pressure on the State administration to address concerns over the project and the hearing process.
The Chief Minister also addressed allegations surrounding the digging up of a road during the public hearing, saying the matter was already under official inquiry. He said the Deputy Commissioner concerned had initiated an investigation and that the Government would await the findings before deciding on further action.
“An enquiry has already been ordered. The Deputy Commissioner has already initiated an enquiry into what happened. So we are waiting for the reports. We will keep all our options open,” Sangma said.
Sangma reiterated that the Government remained open to dialogue with organisations and groups raising objections, saying differences could be addressed through discussion rather than confrontation. He said the administration was willing to examine concerns, clarify areas of confusion and engage with stakeholders to find a way forward.
“We have never closed our doors for any discussions. We have always believed that discussion and dialogue is the best way to move forward,” he said.
“If there are any concerns, any misconceptions, or any areas of confusion, we will be happy to discuss and clarify so that we can all move together in a positive direction,” the Chief Minister added.
