Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohthun, who sits on the government bench as an NPP legislator, has opposed the administration’s move to convert the Conservation Training Institute (CTI) in Ri-Bhoi into an industrial estate.
Sohtun has urged the state government to review and halt the proposed conversion, which would see the CTI move from the Byrnihat area to New Shillong.
Public opposition has been vocal in recent days against the move and now the MLA has joined the bandwagon.
Sohtun revealed that he has already held discussions with village leaders from areas such as Matchogre, Amphranggre and Umpher to deliberate on the matter. As a resident and representative of the region, he believes the public’s opposition is justified and grounded in reason.
He highlighted that Byrnihat is already grappling with severe air pollution due to a large concentration of factories as well as pollution and the establishment of more factories would exacerbate the pollution levels, worsening the hardships faced by the local populace.
Sohtun has proposed to the government that the suggested industrial estate be set up in Hima Jirang where the people have expressed willingness to provide land for the initiative. This, he argued, would address the need for development without compromising public health or the environment.
