Headman gave NOC despite resistance by residents
SHILLONG: A conglomeration of five NGOs in Ri Bhoi district has opposed establishment of the Meghalaya Calcium Industry (MCI) in a residential area at Sohpdok village under Mawhati constituency.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Ri Bhoi People United Organization president J. Jyrwa asked the Ri Bhoi district administration to immediately halt the ongoing construction work for the factory.
He said the proposed move to set up the company in a residential area will not only destroy the environment but also affect local water bodies.
Jyrwa alleged that the construction work of this company has started without necessary permission being obtained from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board.
The NGOs have already apprised the Ri Bhoi deputy commissioner of the matter.
The NGOs have also asked the KHADC to punish the headman of Sohpdok village for giving NOC to the company without the knowledge of the district council.
“The KHADC CEM told us that he will examine the matter and take a decision, while the Ri Bhoi deputy commissioner said an inquiry will be conducted to ascertain the truth,” Jyrwa said.
He also informed that a public hearing had been conducted on November 3, 2015 and the residents had strongly opposed construction of the factory in the village, but the headman went ahead and gave the NOC to the company despite peoples’ opposition.
