South West Khasi Hills KSU opposes proposal for coke plants in district
KSU has urged the Single Window Agency and other governmental organisations to refrain from issuing any clearances or approvals to entrepreneurs trying to set up of coke factories in the area on environmental grounds.
SHILLONG:
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on October 21 expressed strong opposition against setting up of coke factories in South West Khasi Hills district.
A joint delegation of the KSU central body and South West Khasi Hills district unit submitted memorandums to the Director of Commerce and Industries & Member Secretary, Single Window Agency and the Member Secretary of Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board for their necessary interventions in the matter.
“(We) convey our stiff opposition to any clearances, if issued, by any government agencies to coke factories…We would like to urge your office as the nodal authority of this committee to kindly stop all the related-activities or any decision to facilitate setting up of coke factories in South West Khasi Hills District,” KSU-SWKHD president Forwardman Nongrem stated in the memorandum.
He alleged that there are certain persons/companies who are intending to set up coke factories in the coal rich areas of the district. “In pursuance to this objective, they are currently trying to obtain No Objection Certificates and clearances from various government authorities,” he added.
Nongrem said that the KSU has urged the Single Window Agency and other governmental organisations to refrain from issuing any clearances or approvals to entrepreneurs trying to set up of coke factories in the region on environmental grounds.
Stating that coke factories are categorised as Hazardous Process Industries, Nongrem said that land and water pollution is a perennial problem in the area and coke factories will only aggravate the situation.
“So, any legalisation of coke factories in the area is like rubbing salt into the wound and thereby, place the life of the rural populace in grave danger.”
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