SHILLONG, March 28: The Environment Coordination Committee (ECC) of Elaka Sutnga has warned the state government against legalising coke plants in the area stating the consequences will be disastrous.
Stating that it is a message to the government from the Elaka residents, legal adviser to the committee, Reading War cautioned that legalising the coke plants might snowball into a big issue.
He insisted the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) take necessary steps for the restoration of environment, penalty and compensation. He asked those affected by the plants to come forward with their complaints and claim compensation.
The ECC demanded the MSPCB immediately send its officials to Soo Kilo, Umpleng and Umtyra in East Jaintia Hills and make them stay there for one month to monitor the coke units which are releasing harmful pollutants.
According to War, there are 29 units that have been issued with refusal of consent on different grounds by the pollution board and the rest closed down their plants after surrendering.
“Therefore, we demand the CM, regulatory department concerned and MSPCB to issue a necessary directive to the proprietors of all the coke plants to dismantle the factories as it is unnecessary and useless for them to be there after consent has been refused,” the ECC said.
It asked the MSPCB to furnish the coordinates or location of the plants which obtained the consent to operate prior to the notification issued on December 23, 2020. It warned of strong protests if the MSPCB tries to manipulate the plants’ exact location.