Overview
- After a joint site visit on October 18, a coalition of NGOs reported pollution, silting and drying tributaries affecting the Rompa, Rongdik, Khakiza and Rongma rivers that serve nearby communities.
- The groups say the operation lies close to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve and warn of habitat loss for protected species such as the Hoolock gibbon and Himalayan black bear.
- The coalition formally appealed to the Forest Department, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and the state government to halt quarrying and revoke any illegal licences.
- The NGOs voiced unverified suspicions of uranium exploration under the guise of coal extraction, citing prior statements by MP Saleng A. Sangma and Bernard N. Marak, and flagged possible radiation risks.
- A new statement from CEPRD on October 20 condemned the project, alleged violations of environmental laws, called for a judicially monitored probe and warned of Public Interest Litigation if no action follows.