Why is the govt silent on illegal coke factories: Shangpliang

SHILLONG:

Congress spokesperson Himalaya Shangpliang has slammed the government for maintaining silence on the issue of mushrooming illegal coke factories in the state. Questioning the government’s deferment in closing down these factories, Shangpliang asked if at all the government is aware that they exist.

“Why is the NPP-led MDA government silent on the illegal coke factories? What can’t they implement the laws at their disposal and close them down? Why we haven’t seen a single coke factory being closed down?” he asked.

Shangpliang added that there is no question of providing Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO) as people residing near these factories are not happy. “The villagers in proximity to these illegal factories are complaining that they are unable to dry their clothes outside as they get stained with black soot. Such is the level of industrial pollution in these areas,” he said, training guns at the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board.

Claiming that there are many illegal coke factories in the Sutnga Elaka in East Jaintia Hills, he said that the government should inquire why coke factories are abundant in this particular area.

“The question that the government should ask is where this coal coming from to burn in the coke factories. I think if an inquiry committee is set up, we will get all the answers,” he said.

Raising questions on the government’s apathy in tackling the issue, the Congressman said, “If this go on the people of Elaka Sutnga will lose their trust in the government. Once the people lose their faith in the system, it may lead to many other unpleasant scenarios,” he concluded.

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