Shillong, May 21: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home Prestone Tynsong on Thursday dismissed allegations that the government was acting by force in connection with the proposed Shree Cement project, stating that the public hearing scheduled for May 22 was specifically meant to gather the views and concerns of the people.
Responding to queries over the ongoing protests against the public hearing, Tynsong said the government has “nothing to hide” and urged those opposing the cement plant to participate in the hearing and voice their objections there. “Please, they should not misunderstand that the government is acting by force. What do you mean we are acting by force? If we were acting by force, there would not even be a public hearing. The work would have gone ahead directly,” he said.
Tynsong maintained that opposing the public hearing itself defeats the purpose of public consultation and insisted that the government remains open to discussions. “We are always open for discussion. When there is any kind of misunderstanding, we are always there to resolve the issue. But now those people who are against the public hearing, I think that is wrong. They are mistaken,” he said.
Explaining the purpose of the hearing, the Deputy Chief Minister said it was intended to understand the views of local residents and stakeholders on whether the proposed cement factory should be allowed. “When we say public hearing, what is it? It is to know the mind of the people, the stakeholders, whether you want to have a cement factory or not. That is very clear,” he stated.
He added that under existing regulations, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board is mandated to conduct the hearing. “So if you are against it, go there. The provisions of the regulations clearly indicate that the Pollution Control Board has to conduct the public hearing,” he said.
Tynsong said the hearing provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to raise environmental and economic concerns related to the project. “Public hearing is to hear the grievances, the concerns of each and every stakeholder. So that is important,” he said.
Questioning the protests being staged outside government offices, Tynsong asked agitators to instead register their concerns directly at the hearing venue. “I don’t understand why they are protesting at the DC office or other places. Why not do it there? When you are concerned, please do it there. We are very transparent,” he said.
He further appealed to protesters not to misunderstand the process and urged them to attend the hearing peacefully. “I request these agitators, please don’t misunderstand. Please understand the stages of procedures and attend the public hearing and raise your concern over there in the public hearing,” he added.
Tynsong reiterated that the hearing was specifically arranged to gather public opinion on all aspects of the proposed cement project, including environmental and economic impacts.
