The headmen of Nongsning and Umrasong in East Jaiñtia Hills have questioned the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) for allowing the establishment and operation of coke oven factories close to the two villages without considering health risks and ecological disaster to the area.
Nongsning headman Dipsing Bareh and Umrasong headman Elias Tlang told the media that on February 13, licences were granted by MSPCB for setting up of five coke oven plants namely M M Minerals, Unique Industry (Second Chimney), Presidium Breez, Magic Coke and Ioanis Industries Private Limited (Second Chimney) near the two villages. The headmen also alleged that the setting up of the Presidium Breez coke oven plant has damaged the drinking water source of Nongsning village.
According to the Nongsning headman, several petitions have been sent to the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills and other departments in 2022 with request not to issue any consent for establishment of coke oven plants since they pose health hazards from pollution and also damage to water bodies.
According to the headmen, the operation of the coke oven plants has started in the last few days much to the surprise of local villagers. They also said that despite the concerns expressed by the villagers, the government authorities paid no heed and allowed the coke oven plants to operate. They also threatened to resort to drastic steps if their plea was ignored by the MSPCB and other authorities.
A delegation from the two villages led by the headmen met the Member Secretary of MSPCB yesterday to register their protest against the permission given to the coke oven plants.
Stating that illegal establishment and operation of coke oven plants has affected the health and safety of the villagers over the last few years, the two headmen in their letter to the MSPCB said that the illegal establishment and operation of coke oven plants in the adjacent villages today is one of the major causes of air pollution in the region.
“It is disheartening to know that in recent few months there has been numerous CTEs (Consent to Establish) being issued for the establishment of coke oven plants within and adjacent to the villages, in spite of several representation and protest by the locals in this regard,” the letter said.
“Most importantly in recent days the villagers have suffer tremendously as the water source in the village which is the only source for drinking water required for the daily consumption and survival of the villagers have been contaminated due to the establishments and operations of these coke oven plants specifically with regard to Presidium Breeze Coke Oven Plant situated at Nongsning. Further, we would like to bring to your consideration that even with respect to this issue, several petitions to different concerned authorities for intervention have been forwarded since the last three years but there are no concrete solutions from the authorities,” the letter added.
The headmen of the two affected villages also urged the MSPCB to immediately intervene in this matter in order to safeguard the life and safety of the people of the affected villages. They also reiterated their stand to strongly oppose any intention to grant license to any coke oven plant in the area.
