Ramesh petitioned against Lafarge plant in Meghalaya

SHILLONG: The proposed cement plant in Meghalaya by Lafarge is a threat to its numerous cave systems and wildlife, a cave research body has claimed in a petition to Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh opposing green clearance to the project.

"The Jaintia Hills district (where the plant is proposed) is internationally referred to as Mecca for the cavers of the world. Several caving systems existing in this particular location have been listed in the world map of longest and deepest caves. Proper protection of these subterranean caves must be our national regard," National Cave Research and Protection Organisation said in the petition yestrday.

The proposed plant site is very close to Narpuh and Saipung reserve forests and the noise and dust pollution from the proposed plant would be a threat to the wildlife there, the petition signed by the organisation's president Jayant Biswas claimed, adding there were already a number of cement plants in the district which flout norms.

Earlier, Lafarge had said that the apprehensions raised about the environmental impact of the project are "premature" and "unfounded".

The project would maintain the highest standards of environmental protection and use scientific mining techniques as per the best international practices. Besides, the project would not progress without conducting a proper environmental impact assessment and obtaining all statutory clearances, the French company had said in a statement.