Experts from the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Nagpur arrived in the city today to investigate the controversy over the destruction of India’s longest cave, Krem Kotsati in Lumshnong, by cement factories. In answer to a question by ruling coalition MLA P.T. Sawkmie, Meghalaya chief minister D.D. Lapang told the Assembly today that representatives of the IBM were in Shillong for an inquiry. He added that last month his government had requested the IMB to depute some experts to conduct the inquiry.
Earlier, Lapang placed on the floor of the House an inquiry report by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board. Interestingly, the board’s report mentions that the Cement Manufacturing Company Limited, one of the offending factories, had been categorically asked to use scientific and latest mining technologies and to operate pollution control devices regularly.
In a separate development, the villagers of Lumshnong have written to local MLA Nehlang Lyngdoh and complained about pollution and blockage of water sources by debris from limestone quarries, besides excessive air and noise pollution from blasting operations.
