SHILLONG: The Kolkata based firm Amrit Hatchery Private Limited which had closed down its operations in running poultry farming business in Ri-Bhoi district has again resurfaced under a different name.
The traditional heads in Ri-Bhoi district under the banner of the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong of twenty villages and the Meghalaya Poultry Farmers and Welfare Association (MPFWA) have taken up with the Council on the illegal operations of the Kolkata based firm under a different name.
“We have brought to the notice of the Council about the illegal operation of AHPL for carrying out poultry farming and poultry integration in Ri-Bhoi district without obtaining trading license even as it is one of a major cause of pollution to the River Umsiang,” one of the Rangbah Shnong N Nongsiej told newsmen after their meeting with KHADC CEM Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit here on Thursday.
He also said that the company which was known as Amrit Poultry, which closed down its operations in the State, now known as Meghalaya Agrovert Private Limited was responsible for polluting water that provides water to 20 villages.
Nongsiej stated that during an inspection carried out by the district administration it was learnt that the company did not obtain trading license except for a NOC from the Rangbah Shnong of Mawthei and Syiem Raid Mawbuh to open two units at Mawthei and Khlieh Umtrew.
MPFWA secretary Alban Syiem also said that the company has been trying to cripple the growth of small and medium local entrepreneurs who have started agro based businesses.
Pointing out that Amrit has a common local director in Bhalang Phanbuh, Syiem said that the companies has other branches such as the Amrit Cement Industries Limited, Meghalaya Agrovert Private Limited and Multipurpose Cooperative Society (MUCOOP) which proves that the Amrit company which closed down its operations has changed its name to Meghalaya Agrovert Private Limited.
“This revelation leaves a few unanswered questions on how did they obtain trading license and whether they have clearance from the pollution control board,” the Syiem questioned urging the KHADC to take action against the company to safeguard the interest of the local indigenous people and to instil confidence to the people engaged in poultry production in Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
Syiem said that the KHADC chief has assured to look into the matter.
