Shillong: Residents of Hima Langrin want a coke factory gone. Members of the Ki Khun ki Hajar ka Hima Langrin and the Seng Samla Hima Langrin met South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner AL Mawlong on Friday. They claim M/S HRT Coke Factory at Rajaju village went up without a single public hearing. It lacks the consent of the general durbar.
Leaders Faindness Syiemiong and Johnteibor Sangriang accused the Syiem of Hima Langrin of acting alone. They allege the Syiem gave the green light for the project behind closed doors. Now, the community is fighting back. An inspection suggests the plant ignores the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act of 1974 and the Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act of 1981.
Protesters want transparency for all future industrial work. They insist that the local community must have a say in projects affecting their land. The group issued a firm warning to the authorities during the meeting. "We demand that the administration immediately demolish the factory to prevent the contamination of water bodies and the environment," the leaders stated.
Mawlong acted fast. The deputy commissioner promised to halt all construction at the site. He also ordered a formal inquiry into the allegations. The people now wait for the state to make its next move.
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