The Additional Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Kong J. M. Umdor, on January 9, 2025, announced the suspension of the public hearing scheduled at Nonghali due to protests by residents from 15 villages in the area.
According to Kong Umdor, the district administration, in consultation with the protesting villages, decided to postpone the public hearing to maintain peace and order. She added that efforts will be made to resolve the concerns of the villages before rescheduling the hearing.
The hearing was organized by the Meghalaya Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in collaboration with the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Speaking on the matter, S. Syiem, Environment Engineer of the MPCB, stated that the hearing was intended to gather public opinions as per the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006 and its 2009 amendments.
Syiem further clarified that proper procedures were followed, including issuing a public notification in Khasi and English newspapers 20 days prior to the event. However, resistance from several villages disrupted the plans, forcing the authorities to defer the hearing.
The district administration and MPCB have assured that steps will be taken to address the grievances of the affected villages and ensure that the hearing is conducted in compliance with legal and procedural frameworks.
