Meghalaya: ECC asks govt not to look for revenue at the expense of innocent lives; warn of "aggressive" protests
In a statement issued on Saturday, the ECC has urged the Minister of Forest and Environment, James Sangma to stop issuing permissions to coke factories that break the norm and guidelines of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB).
SHILLONG:
The environment coordination committee (ECC) and the Ka Sur U Paidbah of the Elaka Sutnga (Voice of the People from Elaka Sutnga) have reiterated their opposition to coke factories asserting that such factories are poisonous to the health of humans.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the ECC has urged the Minister of Forest and Environment, James Sangma to stop issuing permissions to coke factories that break the norm and guidelines of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB).
Citing Article 21 of the Indian Constitution (Right to Life), the ECC said that economic interest cannot be preferred over the right to life and a healthy environment.
Mentioning that they have taken to the streets twice in regards to the issue and had held peace rallies, the ECC warned the government that things may take an "aggressive" turn if their demand isn't met.
The ECC said, “We urge the government not to look for revenue at the expense of our innocent lives. Your revenue collected from the coke factories will never give us good rain to harvest in the years to come. If coke plants can be shut down in other states, why not in Meghalaya; especially in our beloved Sutnga Elaka.”
Referring to a report published in The Northeast Today, the ECC criticised the minister who said that it is "unjustified to demand the shutting down of coke factories" by the residents of the Elaka Sutnga.
“As the residents of the Elaka Sutnga we strongly condemned the present government for not knowing that exposure to coke plant emissions might have a deteriorating effect on the health of the general citizens in and around the areas where coke factories are operating,” the ECC stated.
The ECC also stated that epidemiological studies have reported an increase in respiratory illnesses, dermatological diseases, lung cancer, etc, among coke factory workers and the inhabitants residing in close proximity to these factories.
TNT-The Northeast Today is now on WhatsApp. CLICK HERE to receive more updates on your phone.
ALSO READ: Health Minister urges public to follow appropriate Covid behaviour during Puja, bye-polls
