Syllad

Syllad

The Rising Meghalaya

  • Home
  • Meghalaya
  • North East
  • National
  • Global
  • Sports
  • Covid_19
  • Opinion
  • Advertisement
  • Contact
  • About
  • Adani cement project under fire: NCST slaps notice on Dima Hasao DC over controversial land deal

    Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 17, 2025

    WhatsApp
    Share
    Share
    Tweet
    Pin

    In yet another jolt to the Adani Group’s ambitions in the Northeast, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued a formal notice to the District Commissioner of Dima Hasao, demanding an Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days over the controversial allotment of 9,000 bighas of tribal land for a proposed cement plant in Umrangso.

    The notice comes in response to a petition filed by the Indigenous Peoples Party (IPP), which alleges that the land acquisition violates the constitutional protections granted under the Sixth Schedule and threatens to displace over 14,000 Karbi, Dimasa, Naga, and Adivasi families living across multiple villages in the region.

    The NCST, citing a lack of response to its earlier notice dated March 7, 2024, warned the DC that failure to comply within the stipulated period may prompt the commission to exercise civil court powers under Article 338A of the Constitution. This could include issuing summons for personal appearance before the commission.

    The land in question—approximately 2,400 hectares—has been designated by the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) as khas land, and reportedly earmarked for transfer to the Adani Group for constructing what is being billed as Asia’s largest cement plant. However, locals allege that this was done without their consent or consultation.

    Activist Mridul Garlosa, who has been leading the resistance, welcomed the NCST’s intervention. “The villagers were never consulted. The NOCs were handed out behind closed doors, and only after all the paperwork was completed were the communities informed,” he said. Garlosa warned that the group will continue its resistance and report any threats or pressure to the NCST.

    Garlosa also pointed out a long-standing pattern, noting that since 1976, land in the region has been allocated to various industrial projects including NEEPCO, AMDC, Vinay Cement, and the Lower Kopili Hydro Electric Project—all with similar disregard for indigenous rights.

    Multiple villages including Borolokhindong, Sikilangso, Checkso, Borolobang, and Chotolobang stand to lose their land if the project moves forward. Beyond displacement, activists are sounding the alarm over the environmental degradation the plant may cause in an area rich in biodiversity.

    IPP’s chief coordinator Rajen Timung called the NCST notice a “second major victory” for the organization in its ongoing fight against corporate encroachment on indigenous lands. He cited a previous success where IPP’s intervention led the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to withdraw a $434.25 million loan for a proposed solar project in Karbi Anglong.

    “This is not just about land,” Timung said. “This is about preserving the identity, culture, and future of indigenous communities. Our efforts show that when people stand united, even the biggest corporations can be held accountable.”

    Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest that the Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM) has floated tenders for limestone mining across eight blocks in the Umrangso area—allegedly without consulting the NCHAC. With Adani seen as the frontrunner for these leases, opponents are accusing the state government of sidelining autonomous council authority and fast-tracking corporate interests.

    Three more cement plants—by Ambuja Cement, Dalmia Cement, and another private player—are reportedly in the pipeline. Garlosa claims this is part of a broader strategy by the state government to pressure the council into issuing more No Objection Certificates (NOCs) without due public engagement.

    Civil society organizations, including the Khasi Students’ Union, the Meghalaya Chief Secretary, and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, have been informed about the developments as opposition grows beyond state lines.

    For now, the NCST’s notice puts the spotlight squarely on the state administration and the Adani Group, reigniting the debate around tribal land rights, environmental justice, and corporate accountability in one of India’s most ecologically and culturally sensitive regions.

    Google News Button syllad

    Continue Reading

    Syllad | The Rising Meghalaya

    Syllad is a fully digital news portal from Meghalaya. With tagline “Syllad-The Rising Meghalaya” Syllad brings voices of Meghalaya to the rest of the world.

    Comments

    1. Rondeep says

      June 18, 2025 at 11:08 PM

      Development shouldn’t be stopped. We need to accelerate industrial development. This is the best Time. But the dignity of the locals needs to be respected too.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    STAY CONNECTED

         Facebook

       Instagram

       Youtube

       Twitter

    SITE LINKS

    • About
    • Advertise with us
    • Hiring Freelance Writers
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Grievance Redressal
    • Refund policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Advertisement

    © 2019 Syllad

    Powered By AbodeOrigin | Marketing Wire
    Empanelled With Directorate of Information & Public Relations
    Government of Meghalaya