Meghalaya: MSPCB Assures Spot Inspection to Coke Plant in East Jaintia Hills

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG:  The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has assured to conduct a spot inspection at Thlakaru in East Jaintia Hills following a complaint filed by the Wapungskur dorbar shnong against the proposed establishment of a coke plant in a forest area under its jurisdiction. The assurance was given by MSPCB Member Secretary CH Chyrmang to a delegation of the Wapungskur dorbar shnong, led by its headman Postling Dkhar, during a meeting held on Thursday.

“We have expressed our strong opposition against the proposed setting up of the coke plant and the MSPCB has assured to conduct a spot inspection before taking a decision on whether to revoke the CoE. They will fix a date and let us know in the coming days,” said Dkhar after the meeting.

Raising concerns over the classification of the land, Dkhar stated, “When asked if they had noticed the forest area, the board officials claimed that they got a clearance from the District Forest Officer (DFO) that it was a non-forested land. The reply came as a surprise to us because had they conducted a spot inspection, they would have noticed the reserved forest of the dorbar shnong.”

He further asserted the dorbar shnong’s determination to resist external interference in its jurisdiction. “Even if we are poor, we want an environment that will be healthy for our people. We don’t need money because we don’t want to compromise the health and well-being of our people. We are all aware the coming of these coke plants will only pollute the environment. Therefore, we will continue to protect and preserve the reserved forest of the village.”

Issuing a strong warning, he added, “We will not allow setting up of any coke plant. If they dare try to bulldoze, the Dolloi of Jowai and headman of Mookhep should be ready to take full responsibility of the consequences.”

Dkhar criticized the Dolloi of Jowai Elaka for failing to inform the dorbar shnong about his decision to issue an NOC for the coke plant. “He (Dolloi) should have informed us about such a decision. We are part of the Jowai Elaka and we have the right to know. If he no longer wants us to be part of the Elaka, we will gladly come out. Furthermore, if he so requires a coke plant, let him set up in his own backyard or in Jowai.”

Announcing further action, he said, “We will meet the Dolloi of Jowai tomorrow to demand him that he should cancel the NOC within three days. At the same time, we also demand the headman of Mookhep to cancel the NOC issued by him because he should think about the people of the area.” He added, “If they can confine the air pollution from these coke plants within their own jurisdiction, it is okay, but if it affects us, we will not allow it. Therefore, we will continue to protest.”

Also read: Pollution in Byrnihat: MSPCB Blames it on Assam Industries

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