acidity due to which the natural colour of the water sources have changed. Apart from this, the aquatic life of these rivers is being destroyed and it has been found that this water is now unfit for human consumption.

In spite of all this, the Government of Meghalaya has turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to the continuous damage being done. Chemical waste from cement factories have added to the poisoning of the once crystal clear waters. Even the Leshka hydro electric project which is aimed at enhancing the generation of power in the State is currently facing the threat of the machinery being destroyed because of the acidity of the water due to the mineral mining activities in the vicinity. Unrestricted licenses have been given to cement companies from outside the State which, combined, have resulted in a heavy toll on the environment and ecology of the land.

Even the Leshka hydro electric project which is aimed at enhancing the generation of power in the State is currently facing the threat of the machinery being destroyed because of the acidity of the water.

In line with the judgement of the Supreme Court on Lafarge Mining Pvt. Ltd. Operating in the Nongtrai area of Shella in East Khasi Hills, a demand had been made by concerned non – governmental organizations to the Centre and State Governments to take similar action against as many as eight cement companies operating in Jaintia Hills for gross violation of the State Forest Conservation Act, 1980, following an inspection which had clearly stated that these companies are located in forest lands. According to a report submitted by the joint inspection team led by officials from the State Forest Department and the Ministry of Forest and Environment, it had been found that these areas measuring 838 hectares where the cement companies are located have been assessed as forest land while another 1140 hectares are yet to be surveyed. In the case of Lafarge, the company had to pay up to rupees 80 crore as compensation besides an additional 18 crore for social welfare activities per annum as long as they are mining limestone at Nongtrai.

The mining of limestone at Nongtalang and Amtapoh in Jaintia Hills bordering Bangladesh was recently banned by the Deputy Commissioner P.S. Dkhar following rampant and indiscriminate mining which has largely destroyed drinking water sources and catchment areas. This followed an appeal by heads of traditional institutions from the area who expressed their concern over the degradation of the environment and the effect on the cultivation of betel nut and pan leaves which are the main sources of livelihood in the area. Altogether 17 drinking water sources have been destroyed at Amtapoh and Nongtalang villages. The limestone extracted from the area is mainly supplied to Bangladesh, violating export regulations.

The Deputy Commissioner, following complaints from the traditional heads and Dorbars of the area had carried out an inspection of the mining areas and had found that the mining activities were being carried out beyond permissible limits and had destroyed the environment to a large extent. The inspection also revealed that perennial and natural sources of water which are the sustaining factor of the lives of the people have been extensively damaged.

The mining lobby has however expressed dismay over the banning of illegal mining of limestone and had even gone to the extent of demanding the removal of the Deputy Commissioner.

The action taken by the Deputy Commissioner was by and large welcomed by the people who are now facing acute shortage of drinking water. The mining lobby has however expressed dismay over the banning of illegal mining of limestone and had even gone to the extent of demanding the removal of the Deputy Commissioner. However, the Doloi, being the head of the traditional administrative institutions of Nongtalang and the adjoining areas, has brought the matter to the attention of the Union Minister of Forest and Environment or taking necessary steps in the safeguarding of the environment.

In other parts of Jaintia Hills, land acquisition by cement companies for setting up cement factories and mining even in forest areas had received criticism from the people and the traditional heads. The cement companies have however managed to obtain No – Objection Certificates through dubious means which is in gross violation of the Forest Act. Several non – governmental organizations have made a move to challenge the move in the courts, especially with regard to the definition of the term ‘forest’ which is currently being misinterpreted by people with vested interests and even those who are in authority. The State Government is also under criticism for passing the Meghalaya Forest Regulation Amendment Bill, 2012 without taking the views and opinions of those concerned in the safeguarding of the environment from further exploitation. The State Government has also been accused of being in favour of the cement companies in spite of their destructive activities.

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma has spoken about the issue of the definition of the term ‘forest’ by saying, “Many forest Acts have been passed with different objectives. The provisions of these Acts should be studied for the purpose they have been framed.” He added that a more appropriate definition can be arrived at which will be relevant and practical to the situation in the State of Meghalaya.

In fact, forest, mining and the environment are inter – related and a comprehensive law should be able to look after these subjects rather than compartmentalize them. Other administrative authorities including the District Councils and the traditional institutional Dorbars should be vested with the responsibility of protecting the larger interest of the environment and the ecology from destructive mining and industrial excesses which are detrimental to the land, water resources and the people.

The existence of deposits of minerals including coal and limestone in Jaintia Hills has been both a boon and a curse in which vested interests from outside the State are making a bee line to indiscriminately exploit these deposits. At a public hearing regarding the establishing of another cement factory at Umlong in which the cement factory promised development of the village, a  young woman Binaroi Bareh bravely went up to the podium and proclaimed, “Our elders and the village leaders have sold out our future by allowing other to destroy the environment just for the sake of a one – time benefit.”