JOWAI: Unscientific limestone mining in War-Jaintia, Amlarem Sub-Division in Jaintia Hills has become a cause of concern for residents of Nongtalang village and its surrounding villages who are facing an impending water scarcity in the area.

A huge quantity of limestone is exported to Bangladesh via Tamabil on a daily basis which has encouraged individuals in the area to start limestone mining. The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council has so far issued 21 numbers of NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for extraction of limestone, 25 NOCs to exporters and another 12 to transporters.

With rich forest and wildlife the Northeast is known as ‘Green Lungs of India’.

The region is one of the seven original biodiversity hotspots in the world, but most of its animals and birds are increasingly ending on food tables not only of the tribals who traditionally take such food but also of others including the large number of forces posted there.There are startling revelations that armed forces also indulge in hunting for food and sports in the border region.

SHILLONG: In a major embarrassment for Rymbai legislator Nehlang Lyngdoh (Congress) the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) have accused him of not adhering to safety norms at a coal mine owned by him located on the Ladrymbai-Rymbai road in Jaintia Hills.

The lack of safety measures in Lyngdoh’s coal mine came to light during a visit by the NCPCR team to the coal mine on Friday. As per the letter written to the Deputy Commissioner of Jaintia Hills, the Deputy Labour Commissioner and Divisional Mining officer who accompanied the team, said, “It was noticed that there are no safety measures, labour welfare amenities etc., which may endanger the lives of labourers working in the said mine.”

Inter State Truck Terminus also in pipeline

SHILLONG: In a move which could slightly ease the traffic congestion in the city, the Planning Commission “in principle” has approved the much awaited Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT). Informing this here recently, Transport Minister AT Mondal said that following the approval, the State Government has started the process of land acquisition to make the project a reality.

SHILLONG: “Farmers should be ready to learn new technologies to become competent,” said Dr Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya.

“Technology linked farming activities are being promoted in the State to make farming more attractive and remunerative. To be rich in farming, we need to learn new technologies, which should be supported by government interventions like market availability, credit availability, etc.,” said Dr Sangma while inaugurating the ‘Tribal Farmers in Climate Resilient Agriculture’ programme at Cherrapunji on Friday.

Research organisation encourages new agricultural adaptation strategies

Shillong: Taking cognizance of the drastic change in the ecology of Sohra, agricultural scientists of the Indian Council of Agricultural (ICAR) Research Complex for NEH Region are now trying to conduct research and studies on the agricultural products of this area while encouraging people to adopt different agro-eco activities.

NEW DELHI: A day after the Centre named several cement plants as eco offenders in Meghalaya, two leading companies – Amrit Cement Industries Ltd and Lafarge Surma Cement Ltd – have denied that have violated any environment laws in the State.

A spokesman from the Amirt cement even submitted documents which showed that the company did get environment clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest before it started its operations.

Shillong: Despite the French cement giant Lafarge Umiam Mining Private Limited (LUMPL) depositing a total amount of Rs 3 crore towards the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), the State Government is yet to carry out the plantation drive of about 4 lakh saplings in 470 hectares of land in the State.

“Under compensatory afforestation, about 4 lakh trees would be planted in an area of 470 hectares in the State,” LUMPL Board of Directors chairman Shivesh Sinha said during an informal interaction with media persons here on Thursday.

NONGSTOIN: People of Mawthadraishan Block in West Khasi Hills district have opposed the district administration’s decision to issue ‘no objection certificate’ (NOC) to set up cook mine factory at Madan Riewblei.

A public meeting was held recently here where people voiced their opposition to the administration’s decision. The meeting, convened by the Synjuk Nongsynshar Shnong of Umiap area, was attended by members of FKJGP, West Khasi Hills Students’ Union (WKHSU) and Senglongkmie, Headman of the area.

SHILLONG: The Union Ministry of Mines has enunciated the National Mineral Policy 2008, which seeks to develop a sustainable framework for optimum utilization of the country’s natural mineral resources for the industrial growth in the country, and at the same time improving the life of people living in the mining areas, which are generally located in the backward and tribal regions of the country.