Govt’s non-compliance with NGT direction sparks furore

SHILLONG, Dec 15: Hundreds of people took to the streets on Thursday in protest against the failure of the state government in complying with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) direction on the establishment of coke plants in Elaka Sutnga.
The peaceful rally, which was organised by the Environment Coordination Committee (ECC), began from 1 kilo and culminated at the Office of the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner.
It may be mentioned that the NGT, Eastern Zone, had passed an order in July 2022 against the establishment of the coke plants in Elaka Sutnga.
The NGT had directed the state government, through the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), to collect fines, amounting to Rs 5.5 crore approximately, which have been imposed against 31 illegal coke units.
The NGT had also directed the state government to frame an action plan against the coke plants that have not obtained the Consent to Operate (CTO) prior to the notification of the sitting norms dated 23-12-2020.
ECC legal adviser Reading War said that the NGT had provided the government a time frame to complete the accumulation of the entire fine and to frame the action plan within the period of four months from the time of the passing of the judgment.
“However, even after the expiry of four months, which is November 8, 2022, the government is silent. Therefore, the government has failed to comply with the NGT direction,” War said.
War said the ECC had even met various concerned departments, including Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, to enquire about the action plan. “But there was no fruitful outcome,” he rued.
Accusing the government of ignoring the people of Elaka Sutnga in particular and the district in general, he said, “The government is not complying with the direction of the tribunal. The ECC and the people of Elaka Sutnga were left with no option but to come out on the streets again to strongly protest against this irresponsible government.”