SHILLONG: The Committee on Environment of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has demanded a detailed list of all coke plants operating in the Jaintia Hills region, along with information on their raw material sources.
Led by Chairperson Wailadmiki Shylla, the committee on Friday conducted inspections of industrial sites, including cement and coke plants, in East Jaintia Hills to assess their environmental impact.
Shylla was accompanied by other Committee members, including MLA Mayralborn Syiem, MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, MLA Santa Mary Shylla, along with district officials and Assembly staff.
The team visited Jaintia Coke Pvt. Ltd. in Shiehruphi, Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited in Thangskai, and Star Cement in Lumshnong as part of the inspection of industrial sites.
During the inspections, the committee members emphasized the importance of balancing industrial growth with environmental protection.
“We must ensure that economic activities do not come at the cost of our environment. It is our responsibility to leave a better environment for future generations,” Shylla stated.
He also sought detailed reports on all coke plants and quarries, including limestone and boulder quarries, operating in both East and West Jaintia Hills.
Shylla inquired about the raw materials used by the coke plants and also requested the ambient air quality report for December, stating that the data provided so far was limited to the recent monsoon months.
The committee urged companies to prioritize the health and safety of their workers, employ local talent, and implement effective pollution control measures.
The committee also raised concerns about the impact of quarrying activities on the environment and called for stricter regulations and improved monitoring systems.
MLA Mayralborn Syiem expressed concerns about air quality and called for regular, independent monitoring of emissions.
He requested the latest reports from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and emphasized the importance of consistent water sprinkling and reforestation efforts to curb environmental pollution.
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The team also emphasized the need for companies to take responsibility for environmental restoration and implement sustainable practices.
