Closure of coke plant in Nongsning & Umrasong demanded

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 14, 2024

The people of two villages viz. Nongsning and Umrasong under East Jaintia Hills District demanded the immediate closure of illegally established coke in their villages.

The demand was made in a letter jointly signed by the Headman of Nongsning and Umrasong to the Chairman/ Member Secretary, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB).

The letter informed that thr villagers of the two villages are affected by the establishment and operation of the coke plant close to their villages.

They are also said that the illegal establishment and operation of Coke Oven Plants affected the health and safety of the villagers over the last few years.

“It is a matter of concern that the illegal establishment and operation of Coke Oven Plants in the adjacent villages today is one of the major causes of air pollution in the region,” the letter said.

The Headman of the two villages said it is disheartening to know that in recent few months there has been numerous CTEs being issued for the establishment of Coke Oven Plants within and adjacent to the villages, in spite of several representations and protests by the locals.

The letter informed that the only source for drinking water in the village have been contaminated due to the establishments and operations of these coke oven plants especifically the M/S Presidium Breeze Coke Oven Plant situated at Nongsning.

Further, we would like to bring to your consideration that even with respect to this issue, several petitions to different concerned authorities for intervention have been forwarded since the last three years but there are no concrete solutions from the authorities.