The United Achik Socio Economic Justice Forum has criticised the Forest Department for inaction on illegal brick kilns operating in Lower Baiza, Williamnagar despite a complaint lodged with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and the Range Forest Office in East Garo Hills.
According to the forum, the illegality continues with impunity violating environment norms.
Stating that one Abstain D Shira possess only a single valid license to operate a brick kiln the area the forum said the individual has been operating multiple kilns without the required environment clearance, pollution control permission, nor safety compliance certificate, which is in violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
“What makes this matter even more serious is the revelation that these kilns are using illegally mined coal sourced from the Baiza Abagre region where coal mining unauthorised is being carried out without any accountability,” president of the forum Dimchang Dwarka M Sangma said in a press release.
Sangma alleged that the department is aware of these illegal acts but failed to take action. “No seizures have been made, no closure orders issued, and no legal proceedings have been initiated even though these violations are occurring openly and widely known to local authorities alike,” he added.
The forum said that inaction not only implies gross negligence but indicates possible collusion or complicity which is disappointing and betrayal of public trust.
Further, the forum has demanded action against the owner of the illegal brick kiln as well as officials of the department, introduction of robust monitoring regulatory measures to prevent recurrence of such violations and transparency and public disclosure of action taken by the department.
The forum also warned of a public movement and said it will move the Meghalaya High Court on the issue.
