Shillong, July 3: A delegation of the Dorbar Shnong of Rwiang village in West Khasi Hills District on Thursday met the Chairman of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and demanded that the board take the dorbar shnong into consideration before deciding to withdraw the closure notice issued against the Shri Shakambari Ferro Alloys Private Limited.

The factory was closed for three months for violating environmental norms, and the dorbar shnong had urged the board to ensure compliance with all environmental norms before allowing the factory to reopen.

Sordar of Rwiang village, Wiljou Iawphnia, stated that the board’s decision to withdraw the closure notice without consulting the dorbar shnong raises concerns about the board’s commitment to environmental protection.

Mosklandar Marngar, President of the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA), highlighted that the board had issued a closure notice on February 23, 2025, after the dorbar shnong had taken action by shutting it down for environmental violations.

He informed that during the meeting the board has clarified that its decision to withdraw the closure notice was based on a report which indicated the factory’s compliance with instructions to clean up fly ash from the river. However, the dorbar shnong claims that it has not seen any such action taken by the factory.

Margnar said the delegation questioned the board’s decision to reduce the fine from Rs 33.60 lakh to Rs 8.40 lakh, alleging that it undermines the importance of human life and environmental protection.

They demanded that the board involve the dorbar shnong in the decision-making process to ensure transparency and accountability.

Marngar also revealed that the dorbar shnong is facing immense pressure to allow the factory to reopen.

However, he emphasized that the dorbar shnong’s stance remains unwavering: “Given that the board involved us from the outset, it’s imperative that they continue to involve us in crucial decisions, such as withdrawing the closure notice.”

Speaking to reporters, Member Secretary CH Chyrmang stated that the board had initially closed the factory for over three months due to environmental violations.

After conducting an inspection, the task force submitted a report indicating that the factory had complied with the board’s directions. As per the principle of natural justice, the board could not continue to close the factory, and therefore, withdrew the closure notice.

The board had imposed a fine on the factory for polluting the river by dumping fly ash. However, the factory appealed, and the chairman reduced the fine to Rs 8 lakh, following guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and approved by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Chyrmang emphasized that the board’s decision to withdraw the closure notice and reduce the fine was in accordance with the law.

He added that the board would continue to monitor the factory’s compliance with environmental regulations.

Also Read: Khasi community in Karbi Anglong alleges decades of neglect, demands recognition

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