Shillong: The Environment Coordination Committee (ECC), which has been at the forefront demanding to close down coke plants in Elaka Sutnga, East Jaintia Hills District, has warned the Meghalaya government of dire consequences if the 29 coke plants are not dismantled and/or if the state tries to legalise coke plants in the area.
Speaking to mediapersons, ECC legal adviser Reading War said, “This is a message from the residents of Elaka that if the government tries to legalise these coke plants, the consequences will be disastrous in the Elaka.”
War warned that they are ready to hit the streets once again and this time it would be even bigger than the previous one held last year.
Also read: Meghalaya pollution control board orders closing of 29 illegal coke plants
The ECC also urged upon the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) to take necessary measures with regards to the restoration of the environment, penalty and compensations. War also urged residents who have been affected by the establishment of the coke oven plants to come forward with their complaints and claim compensation.
The ECC said with the MSPCB office located in Shillong, they wouldn’t be aware of the situation since the smoke emitting from these plants are at night. “(The) MSPCB should immediately send their officials to stay overnight in areas where these plants are located such as in Soo Kilo, Umpleng and Umtyra, so that they can monitor the coke units which are releasing harmful pollution into the environment,” War added.
Earlier, the MSPCB had given closure notice to 29 illegal coke plants in Elaka Sutnga and also Refusal of Consent to these 29 units. The ECC has now demanded the chief minister, concerned regulatory department and the MSPCB to issue a directive to the proprietor of these 29 units to dismantle the factories, as they felt it is unnecessary and useless for these plants to be there as consent to operate has been refused.
They also asked the MSPCB to furnish the coordinates or location of these coke plants which obtained the consent to operate (CTO) prior to the notification issued on December 23, 2020, even as they threatened strong protests if the MSPCB tries to manipulate the exact location of the coke plants.
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