NONGSTOIN: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) West Khasi Hills District Unit led by its president John Fisher Nongsiang and general secretary Rishotskhembor Kharbani met the Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills T Lyngwa and demanded closure of coke units in the Shallang area.
KSU president John Fisher expressed deep concern over the establishment of three coke factories in the area under the jurisdiction of Kyllonmathei, Nongriangju and Nongdakong villages respectively and owned by Shemphang Riangshiang, Neibhalamphrang Law and Iwan Lyngdoh.
Nongsiang said that the three factories started operating without public hearing by the State Pollution Control Board and without any environmental clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority.
Rishotskhembor Kharbani, KSU general secretary, said that as per information obtained by the Union through right to information the three factories had not even applied for environmental clearance and thereby violated prevailing laws.
Rishot said that it was also revealed that the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board has issued directions to the factories to stop operations under Section 33(A) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981.
However, the factories are still operating and posing a threat to the environment and health of the people residing in the vicinity.
The union, therefore, demanded that the district administration close down the three factories within 10 days failing which it will take action on its own.
It also demanded that the three factories be shut down until procedural clearances are obtained by them.
Rishotskhembor said that during the meeting, the deputy commissioner said that the factory owners may have obtained the licence from a single window agency which combines all the departments, but he has assured the union to conduct an inquiry to ascertain the facts.
