Action against cement companies delayed, India

Action against the eight cement companies alleged of flouting the forest and environment norms in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalya, India has been further delayed.

Local press report that the delay is due to the Central empowered committee (CEC) directives to the government of Meghalaya to constitute a Joint investigation committee (JIC) to re-examine the findings of the state constituted High level committee (KLC) findings that indicted eight cement plants operating in Jaintia Hills of breaching the laid norms.

The state constituted High level committee (HCL) findings submission in November 2011 categorically stated the cement industries have encroached on forest land while exploiting the raw materials.??The Congress led government has not taken action on the basis of the report.

However, the Meghalaya minister in charge of forest and environment Prestone Tynsong instead told news persons in Shillong on Monday that joint investigation committee (JIC) comprising of state chief conservator of forest (CCF) and additional principal chief conservator of forest (APPCF) from the union ministry of forest and environment (MoEF) Regional Office has been constituted to re-examine into the allegations.