Shillong, Oct 13: Forest and Environment Minister James K Sangma on Wednesday informed that the government is waiting for an expert committee to submit its report into the pollution load in areas where coke plants are operating in the state.

“We have constituted an expert committee to look at the pollution load in those areas. That committee, if I am not wrong, has not yet submitted its report but we are awaiting that report,” Sangma told reporters.

The minister said to jump to any conclusion on how much pollution there is must be based on scientific facts and scientific methods. “We are waiting for the committee to give us that report so that we will be able to shed more light and also look at how we need to take further steps (on the matter),” he added.

When asked, Sangma said the Deputy Commissioner has been tasked with the responsibility to immediately shut down coke plants which are found to be operating illegally in the state.