"Unjustified" to demand shutdown of legal coke factories: Environment and Forest Minister James Sangma
The ECC has claimed that, as per the Right to Information findings, certain establishments have exceeded the benchmark set by the government for their production category of 25,000 metric tonnes. Sangma, however, said he was unaware of any such findings.
SHILLONG:
Meghalaya Environment and Forest Minister James K. Sangma on Friday said that the demand by the Environmental Coordination Committee (ECC) of Elaka Sutnga to shut down both legal and illegal coke factories is "unjustified".
Sangma countered the committee, stating that legally operated coke factories provide employment.
He informed that an Expert Technical Committee was formed to look into the matter and had its first sitting two days ago. However, a proper study will take time, and all decisions will be based on the findings of such a report, he added.
The ECC has claimed that, as per the Right to Information findings, certain establishments have exceeded the benchmark set by the government for their production category of 25,000 metric tonnes. Sangma, however, said he was unaware of any such findings.
“As far as the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board is concerned, it is very clear that these coke factories which have been given permission, (Clearance to Operate) or those which are in the process of being granted (Clearance to Establish) have been inspected by the pollution control board. Their oven load is ascertained, and based on those reports only, consents are granted,” he said.
On the proliferation of coke factories in West Khasi Hills, Sangma stated that any illegally operated factory will be shut down in due course of examination.
He added that the committee will assess the hazardous effects of all factories set up in 2020 on local residents and the environment and one aspect of the study will be on the pollution load of the establishments.
The people of the Elaka Sutnga area, however, have demanded the complete elimination of all coke factories in the area, including those with Clearance to Operate, owing to health and environmental concerns.
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