Environment and Forest Minister James Sangma on Wednesday said the Government is awaiting the report from the expert committee constituted to look into the pollution load of the coke plants in the state.
Talking to reporters, Sangma said, “We have constituted a committee, an expert committee to look at the pollution load in those areas, I think the committee has not yet, if I am not wrong not yet submitted its report but we are awaiting that report.”
He said that any action taken should be based on scientific facts.
“So to jump to any conclusion I think any kind of how much pollution there is must be based on scientific facts, on scientific methods whereby those can be ascertain and we are waiting for that, so that when the committee gives its report we will be able to shed more light and also look at how we can take further step,” the Minister added.
Earlier last year, the Meghalaya government has decided to form an expert panel to comprehensively study the impact of coke factories in the State. The decision follows a string of protests by the people of Sutnga in East Jaintia Hills district against polluting coke units, many of which are allegedly illegal.
The committee is entrusted to recommend environmental safeguards, besides addressing public health issues, forest clearances and pollution load study.
Asked if the illegal coke still functioning in the state, he said, “I know have any facts and figures with me but as I said as and when we come across any coke plants which may be operating illegally, the deputy commissioner is task to shut them down immediately.”