Shillong, July 26:

Brief

– HITO has threatened to close down the office of MSPCB at Motinagar, Shillong if all illegal coke factories in East Jaintia Hills are not shut down
– HITO says almost all the illegal coke factories are located under the Elaka Sutnga
– MSPCB is in the process of identifying all illegal factories
– HITO says illegal coke factories are owned and operated by individuals from Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh

Full Report

The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has threatened to close down the office of Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) at Motinagar in Shillong if the latter does not shut down all illegal coke factories in East Jaintia Hills district within 15 days.

“If the MSPCB fails to comply with the demand, we will be compelled to close down the board’s office at Motinagar,” HITO general secretary Wanbun Dkhar said on Monday after meeting with the secretary of MSPCB.

He said the organization had sought clarification as to why such illegal coke factories are still allowed to function despite a notification issued by the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner to close down all those who have not obtained the Consent To Operate (CTO).

Wanbun informed that the secretary of the MSPCB told the delegation that the board is in the process of identifying all illegal factories and assured that necessary action will be taken accordingly.

According to him, almost all the illegal coke factories are located under the Elaka Sutnga. He also alleged that these illegal coke factories are also owned and operated by the same individuals from Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

On the other hand, HITO president Donbok Dkhar said the organization will have no other option but to take things into its own hand if no action is taken on the matter.

Donbok also demanded the state government to do away with the single window agency and constitute a different committee to examine all aspects before allowing any companies to set up factories in the state.