Peeved by the State government inaction to shut down illegal coke factories in East Jaiñtia Hills district, the Environment Coordination Committee (ECC), Elaka Sutnga has decided to hit the streets by holding a public rally on Monday.
The decision was taken at a meeting held in Lamyrsiang village which was attended by all the traditional heads under the elaka. The public rally will start from Moopala to the deputy commissioner’s office.
The East Jaiñtia Hills Deputy Commissioner had lodged a non-compliance FIR against illegal coke plants in the district who have not complied with the closure order. However, despite this, the committee said no action was seen on the ground.
It may be mentioned that in July, the East Jaiñtia Hills district administration has ordered closure of coke factories operating in the district without the consent to operate (CTO) under the Air & Water Act. Coke plants granted with the consent to establish (CTE) and without the CTO are allowed to establish but cannot operate. Moreover, coke factories that received single-window clearances are ordered for closure.
General Secretary of the committee, Pynbait Sutnga further said that they have decided to move court against the “uncared attitude” of the government to rein on these coke factories.
The committee also stated that the State government had recently issued consent to operate to four coke factories and 31 of them have already established their plant while waiting for the consent to establish from the Meghalaya Pollution Control Board (MSPCB).
