SHILLONG, April 8 (PTI) - A day after several prominent organisations opposed transfer of tribal land to Lafarge in Meghalaya, where the mines of the French cement giant is located, local villagers came out in support saying they have benefited from the mining operations.
"Following the commencement of the Lafarge's mining, the livelihood and income of locals have improved greatly. Lafarge has also undertaken several development works besides providing jobs to the locals," B Lyngdoh, headman of Nongtrai village, where the company has its mines, said.
He argued that Lafarge started its operations in accordance with laid-down regulations and agreements by the district authorities, the State government and the Centre.
A fact finding team, constituted by the Supreme Court, visited the limestone quarry on April 2-3 and were told about the benefits enjoyed by locals from the plant, the headman said.
