The Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Phulbari regional unit met the chairman of the State Level Public Grievances Committee (SLPGC), MLA Ponseng Marak seeking action against the setting up of illegal factories, illicit sale of liquor and petrol in the plain belt area of the district.
Members of the GSU met the MLA in Shillong and alleged that various illegal factories have been set up in the area without even the basic guidelines being followed. These factories are then dumping waste and sewage from the factories directly into the nearby river. Sometimes this waste is even disposed off on the roadside while many are using fossil fuels (coal) without following pollution emission guidelines.
Earlier there have been reports from many quarters of illegal cashew mills being set up that has been causing havoc to the local populace, leading to many facing breathing problems. Similarly brick kilns have also mushroomed in the plain belt with almost all of them coming up without any form of NOCs and required documents.
The union further added that prices of liquor (IMFL) were inconsistent with most shops allowing for back door sales of alcohol.
They also alleged that petrol pumps too were selling petrol and diesel to neighbouring Assam with some even reaching the country of Bangladesh through the many riverine routes in the plain belt. Prices, they added, were also greater than the market rates.
Through a memo submitted to the MLA, the NGO has sought action against such illegal acts that are taking place.
