The Voice of the People Party (VPP) strongly opposed the state government’s proposal to shift the Conservation Training Institute (CTI) under the Soil and Water Conservation Department from Byrnihat to make way for an industrial project.
Raising the issue during today’s Assembly session, Mawryngkneng MLA Heavingstone Kharpran argued that development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand. He expressed concern that removing the CTI, which is currently surrounded by dense forests, would lead to deforestation and harm the environment and local communities. He further questioned whether the government had conducted a proper assessment and consulted local residents before making this decision.
While clarifying that he is not against development, Kharpran stressed the need to balance economic growth with ecological preservation.
Adding to the discussion, Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit revealed that VPP had already submitted a written objection to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, but the government has not responded. He warned that setting up more industries in an area already facing environmental degradation would only worsen the ecological crisis.
The opposition from VPP reflects growing concerns over industrial expansion at the cost of environmental sustainability in Meghalaya.
