The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) today urged the Assembly committee on Environment to intervene and seek closure of illegal coke factories situated in East Jaiñtia Hills District.
The organisation in a letter to the committee’s chairperson, SK Sunn said there are about 25 coke factories are operation in the East Jaiñtia Hills district and these were running without prior permission from the concerned authority.
“They (coke factories) are violating the environmental norms and are threatening the environment and ecology. We have also learnt that these factories have also bypassed the JHADC authorities by indicating that they have obtained clearances from the Single Window Agency of the State government,” HITO said.
While all business establishments were asked to shut down during this pandemic, the organisation said it was surprised that these coke factories continue to function as usual putting workers and residents at risks.
“It is a known fact that these coke factories run on coal. We are also aware that coal mining and transportation has been banned across the state pending proper permission following adherence to environmental laws and workers safety. If this is the case, aren’t these factories promoting illegal and unsafe extraction of coal? Who authorised transportation of coal feeding these factories?” they questioned.
Referring to the Umpleng tradegy where five miners are trapped inside an illegal coal mine operated HITO said there are many unsafe and illegal coal pits operating in the district.
“There may be 10 Ryngksan-like or Umpleng-like accidents very soon if rampant illegal mining and illegal transportation of coal is allowed to take place with total impunity to the law of the land,” HITO warned.
Meanwhile, the organisation has also sought clarification on how the coke oven plants in the Jaiñtia Hills districts are operating in contravention with the Environmental Clearance Regulation 2006.
The organisation referred to the four stages as per para 7 of the regulation, which requires a project to get environmental clearance and posed these questions to the Member Secretary State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority in a letter today.
“We would like to know whether all these four stages of Screening, Scope, Public Consultation and appraisal are complied with,” HITO in the letter questioned.
