Mumbai, India (PressExposure) June 24, 2010 -- Senior functionaries of panchayats and other institutional bodies within the purview of the proposed Lafarge plant site, today came out in support of the project. A team from the National Environment Appellate Authority headed by Hon'ble Member Shri J C Kala is currently site inspecting the project area in connection with the Environmental Clearance issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, GOI.
A delegation comprising of Pradhans, Up Pradhans and other panchyat office bearers of Shikori, Balaindi, Sahaj, Shakra, Sunni, Tattapani, Bagshar and Sapnot; Ex MLA of Karsog, President of Sunni Vyapaar Mandal and Vice President of Land Loser Welfare Committee met Shri Kala and handed over a memorandum. Residents of the nearby villages who appraised the Hon'ble member about the background of the project and how it would immensely benefit the local residents joined them.
The memorandum mentioned that Tehsil Karsog has abundant supply of good quality limestone and the same can be scientifically excavated to the benefit of the locals and the State Government. They also appraised the visiting members of NEAA that the Site Appraisal Committee setup by the State Government had granted permission for setting up the plant only after thorough inspection of the site and adequate satisfaction of all conditions. Lafarge was also granted clearance for limestone mining in the identified area by the Government.
The delegation expressed surprise at the different objections being raised now, well after the public hearing that was conducted by the State Pollution Control Board. " The public hearing was conducted and completed in a bonafide manner. Residents of the identified panchayats and also from the nearby panchayats attended the hearing and did put forth their opinions. So there is no point in raising objections now, which are misleading," the memorandum mentions.
The statement also mentions that, "Unemployed youths of the area are now looking forward to some income generation. But people will have to move above their own selfish and political motivations and help stabilize the future of the local youths. We need to ascertain who are the opponents of the project and what is their purpose." It also adds, "The plant is being opposed by those people who will not be losing an inch of their land. Also most of them reside in Shimla and has a stable income source.
Are they really empathetic to the future of our youths? The opinion of people who don't hail from the region and have no knowledge of the aspirations of the locals, cant be construed as mass sentiments. They do not represent the majority. If the plant is given the go ahead, it will ensure revenue for the State Government and also employment for the locals. The CSR initiatives to be undertaken by Lafarge will contribute to the development of the area. Health, infrastructure and other amenities will become available. These will become reality because 1.5% of the total project cost will be diverted through LADA for these activities."