Shillong, September 29: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) has submitted a detailed representation to the Fact-Finding Committee constituted by the Meghalaya Government to examine the circumstances surrounding the proposed Shree Cement project at Lum Syrman and the disruption of the public hearing held on July 31, 2026.
In its representation, submitted by JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh, the organisation sought a “comprehensive, independent and evidence-based” inquiry into the proposed project, particularly the ownership and transfer of land, the relationship between the 652.24-hectare Non-Forest Land Certificate (NFLC) area and the 217.394-hectare mining area, and incidents allegedly affecting public participation in the hearing.
The JNC cited the Final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Lum Syrman Limestone Block-A, which states that the land had been purchased and was under the possession of Shree Cement Limited. According to the EIA, 217.394 hectares had been acquired and a total amount of ₹5,44,37,500 had been paid. The JNC has asked the Committee to verify the claim against the original land-transfer documents and payment records.
The organisation also referred to a press conference held on August 19, 2026, during which Dolloi N. Sukhlain and Elaka Secretary F. Bareh reportedly stated that the land had not been sold outright but had been handed over under a lease arrangement. The JNC said the discrepancy between the public statements and the EIA requires verification through the original documents rather than assumptions.
The JNC has asked the Committee to examine the original agreements, the identities and interests of the parties involved, the terms and consideration of any lease or sale, payment records, and the statutory and customary approvals applicable to the transaction, including the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971.
Questions Raised Over 652-Hectare and 217-Hectare Areas
The JNC has also sought reconciliation of the approximately 652.24-hectare area mentioned in a Non-Forest Land Certificate issued in July 2025 and a corresponding JHADC certificate, with the approximately 217.39-hectare area covered by the Composite Mining Licence granted in August 2025.
The organisation said the larger and smaller areas may have a legally explainable relationship and did not ask the Committee to presume that the difference itself establishes any illegality. However, it has sought examination of the original maps, coordinates, survey records, file notings and other documents to establish how the operative mining area was identified and approved.
The JNC has also expressed apprehension that the reduction or division from 652.24 hectares to 217.394 hectares may have implications for regulatory scrutiny, and has urged the Committee to determine the matter through authenticated records and technical verification where necessary.
JNC Seeks Verification of Incidents Surrounding Public Hearing
Regarding the July 31 public hearing, the JNC has asked the Committee to examine reports of alleged stone-pelting involving persons intending to attend the hearing, damage to public vehicles and the reported digging or obstruction of a PWD road.
The organisation has also reported that some of its members were allegedly detained by police personnel on July 30, a day before the scheduled hearing. It has requested verification of the incident through witness accounts and official police records, including general-diary entries, station registers, duty rosters, vehicle movement records and any written orders or notices.
The JNC has requested the Committee to consult affected landholders, the Dolloi and Secretary of Elaka Nongkhlieh, community representatives, the project proponent, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and other competent authorities.
It has further sought an in-person opportunity to present documentary material, along with findings on the material issues and recommendations for appropriate action wherever warranted.
In its conclusion, the JNC said the issues raised concern the integrity of land records, the accuracy of environmental documentation, the relationship between official survey and licence boundaries, and meaningful public participation. It urged the Committee to examine original records, hear the concerned parties and establish the factual position before further decisions are taken on the project.
