Shillong: A team from the Meghalaya Assembly’s environmental committee, led by Chairman Wailadmiki Shylla, conducted a site inspection of coal mining and cement companies in East Jaintia Hills.
The visit aimed to assess the companies’ environmental protection measures and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
During the inspection, the committee found that local employment opportunities were limited, with most employees being non-indigenous.
Shylla emphasized the need for companies to prioritize hiring locals, stating, “We want to see more workers from the area employed in these companies.”
The committee also expressed concerns about environmental protection, urging companies to increase their CSR activities and protect the environment. Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sun suggested using equipment to reduce air pollution.
Sohtun, another MLA, stressed the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection. “We have supported the companies, but they must not harm the environment. We need regulations and mechanisms to ensure responsible mining and environmental protection.”
The inspection team visited Jaintia Coke Pvt Ltd, Dalmia Cement Bharat Ltd, and Star Cement, and reviewed presentations from seven cement companies.