Shillong, July 01: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization is shocked beyond comprehension to learn from the Government of Meghalaya that till date, no application for environmental clearance has been received from any coke factory or plant.
In response to a complaint lodged by HITO pertaining to the presence of illegal coke factories or plants in Meghalaya especially in Jaiñtia hills, the Member Secretary of State Environment Impact Assessment Agency (SEIAA) Shillong vide a letter dated July 1, 2021 has categorically stated that till date “no applications has come from any coke plant for grant of Environmental Clearance (EC)”.
It is astonishing to note that despite repeated media reports which are based on facts and numerous such factories being exposed in the social media which has even caused the Assembly Committee on Environment to take note and conduct site inspections, the government is denying the existence of such criminal activities right under its very nose.
The reply also reveals that, “Further, issues related to Air & Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act do not come under the purview of SEIAA,” which poses an even greater threat to our land and its people.
The president of HITO asked the Chief Minister that the people want to know what have to say about this revelation, HITO want to know why did the Forest and Environment Minister visit East Jaiñtia hills on June 30th, Is the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance going to deny the existence of illegal coal factories even to the august Assembly Committee.
HITO herewith demands that the Chief Minister of the State come clean with all details pertaining to this critical issue which is affecting the State and should immediately order the shutting down of all illegal coke plants or factories in the State within a definite limited time frame.Mr.Donbok Dkhar president and Mr.Sromwell Mawdoh vice president.
