Meghalaya Government Faces October 26 Deadline to Scrap Project Amid JAC Protests

The government has until October 26 to scrap the project at Lum Shalom, with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) warning of intensified agitation if its demand is not met. The dispute remains unresolved despite the government explaining the project's Detailed Project Report (DPR), proposed scope and clearances obtained from various authorities.
Speaking after a meeting with JAC members, Kurbah said the government had explained the project proposal, its scope and the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) secured from the relevant departments and agencies.
“We wanted them to understand the proposal and the project as it is. We've explained to them the DPR, what it will entail, and informed them about the various No Objection Certificates that we have obtained from the Forest Department, the Airport Authority, the Air Force and the Indian Army,” she said.
Kurbah also referred to clearances obtained from the concerned Ministry and consultations conducted during the process. She asserted that the government had followed the procedures required for the project.
Addressing concerns about tree felling, Kurbah said the project would require the removal of 544 trees. She added that compensatory plantation had been planned at another location, with ten times the number of trees scheduled to be felled.
“We had to compensate for those trees, and we have done that at ten times the number in another location because we cannot plant the same trees within Lum Shalom, as the Forest Department says there is no place to do that,” she said.
However, the Joint Action Committee continues to oppose the project and has demanded that it be relocated. The committee has cited concerns over the potential impact on forests, hills and water sources, while also questioning whether the concerns of affected residents have been adequately addressed through public consultation.
Kurbah's statement comes amid continued opposition from the JAC, which has maintained its concerns over the project's environmental implications and the consultation process.
With the October 26 deadline approaching, the government faces continued pressure from the protesting groups to reconsider the project's location. The disagreement over environmental concerns, tree removal and public consultation remains unresolved, with the JAC warning of intensified agitation if its demand to scrap the project is not met.