By Our Reporter
SHILLONG:The adamant attitude of the state government in responding to the demand of imposing a ban on dumping of fly ash and other waste materials along the road side has irked the local youths who staged a sit-in-demonstration at IGP point near AIR Shillong here on Wednesday.
Young people from Jaintia Hills and East Khasi Hills expressed deep concern over the lackadaisical attitude of the government towards their plea stating that “The government is blind to the environmental degradation”.
With an aim to save the rivers in Jaintia Hills, these youths gathered at IGP point to make their voice heard while adding that if the government continues to remain silent spectators to such issues, they are not going to stop but will continue with the agitation till their goal is achieved.
With placards in their hands, the youth condemned the rampant disposal of fly ash by cement companies and demanded stringent action. “We have approached the government on several occasions urging for immediate intervention into this matter to ensure that pollution of the Myntdu River be checked, but nothing has been done so far”, Sajeki Passah, Group Leader told reporters here on Wednesday.
“So much careless destruction has been done to our environment but the government is doing nothing,” Passah said.
The youths have given forty eight hours to the government to impose a total ban on such activities stating that the matter will become worse especially in the rainy season where all the non-biodegradable chemicals would flow to the Myntdu River and further pollute the water which is being used by Jowai Township for domestic purpose.
They also informed that they will continue the protest Thursady at noon time. “If the government is not paying heed we will continue with our struggle and we will strive to preserve the environment and save Jaintia Hills campaign”, Passah added.