Residents of Nongsning and Umrasong villages in East Jaintia Hills today held a protest march and raised black flags against the establishment and operation of coke oven factories.
According to the Nongsning headman Dipsing Bareh and Umrasong headman Elias Tlang licences were granted by MSPCB for setting up of five coke oven plants namely M M Minerals, Unique Industry (Second Chimney), Presidium Breez, Magic Coke and Ioanis Industries Private Limited (Second Chimney) near the two villages.
The headmen said they are worried because the setting up of the Presidium Breez coke oven plant has damaged the drinking water sources at Umthlu Umdathli.
The public also protested in front of the under-construction Presidium Breez coke plant. According to the resident, the no objection certificate to the plant was granted by the former dorbar of Umrasong in 2022 and the contract for its construction was won by one Edamon Siangshai of Nongsning village.
Tlang stated that former dorbar shnong was oblivious that the drinking water source, located between Nongsning and Umrasong, would be affected.
Bareh said several petitions have been sent to the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaiñtia Hills and other departments in 2022 with request not to issue any consent for establishment of coke oven plants since they pose health hazards from pollution and also damage to water bodies.
