The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has urged the state government to intervene and address the grievances of the residents of the Nongsning and Umrasong villagers who are up against the setting up of a coke oven plant.
While extending its support to the villagers, the pressure group in a statement today said that the authorities should prioritise sustainable development practices that prioritise environmental conservation and the protection of human rights over short-term economic gains.
The residents of the two villages are up in arms against setting up of a coke oven plant, Presidium Breez, which according to them has damaged the drinking water sources at Umthlu Umdathli.
The HYC said that the inhabitants of these villages have been enduring the adverse consequences of the factory’s activities, which have led to the contamination and depletion of their potable water sources.
HYC East Jaiñtia Hills circle president Preios Pale said they vehemently oppose the establishment and operation of the coke factory in the pristine villages of Nongsning and Umrasong.
Pale said despite expressing their concerns through a formal letter submitted to the DC office and concerns department in 2022, their appeals have fallen on deaf ears, as the factory has been granted Consent to Establish (CTE) clearance to commence operations on 2023.
“The dire consequences of this decision are now manifesting in the form of a scarcity of fresh water, and also pollute the fresh air in this area, posing grave threats to the health and well-being of the villagers. It is distressing to witness the government prioritising the interests of polluting industries over the fundamental rights of its citizens to clean air and water,” he said.
Furthermore, the organisation has demanded for stricter regulations to prevent the establishment of similar factories in the future and urged headmen to exercise their authority responsibly and refrain from issuing no objection certificates for projects that would be detrimental to the society.
