HOYM alleges illegal charcoal trade in Ri-Bhoi

FROM A REPORTER

SHILLONG, June 24: The Hynniewtrep Organization Youth Movement (HOYM) on Friday alleged that a company at 14 Mer, Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district has been illegally collecting charcoal and supplying it to other parts of the state.

The HYOM in a statement alleged that a charcoal-laden truck was detected at 14 Mer, Byrnihat recently.

The HOYM informed Satyam Alloys Pvt. Ltd, a company owned by Sanjay Agarwal collected the charcoal and it is transported to West Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Ri-Bhoi and from other parts of the state.

The HYOM also questioned the state government and KHADC if they are aware of the illegal supply of charcoal by the company to other parts of the state and have asked for clarifications from the state Government and the KHADC.

They also slammed the Chief Minister Mukul Sangma for his failure to take punitive actions against erring officials of Forest department, Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Pollution Control Board and blamed the Forests and Environment Department of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for the illegal supply of charcoal.