How the state government can hold a week’s worth of environmental programmes while condoning coke factories that continue to belch out toxic smoke is a question that has been raised in certain corners.
Meghalaya’s Environment Week has seen the Chief Minister and other cabinet colleagues as well as government departments and others in officialdom pose for the cameras by planting saplings and cleaning up the surroundings. Usually, this sort of activity happens on a single day – World Environment Day on June 5 – but this year the state had a whole week of activity.
But away from the choreographed photo ops, villagers in East Jaintia Hills over the weekend brought to light how one coke factory in their vicinity has been polluting the air with near abandoned, which has resulted in damage to their crops and a resulting hit to their incomes as well as health problems for their youth and elderly populations.
The CM, Conrad K Sangma, today said that there is a need to find a balance between ecology and economy. He also hoped that technological solutions will be found in future to reduce the impact of these polluting industries.
Sangma also said that there are no illegal coke plants functioning in Meghalaya. All those that are running have the proper paperwork in place and those without it have been told to shut down.
“There is no question of illegal coke plants functioning. And as we move forward, we want to see more and better technology used so that the environmental aspects are reduced while we also look at job creation and employment and ensure that the economy is sustained,” the CM said while describing the search for a balance as challenging.
Asked about lack of public awareness on the harm caused by burning charcoal, Sangma said that change does not happen overnight.
“This is a process that requires things to be done but we have made a start. A lot of things are happening now but it will take time for us to bring everybody on board. There is a lot to be done and awareness is an ongoing process,” he added.
