Shillong, Feb 21 NNN : Meghalaya deputy chief minister Bindo Lanong categorically blamed the unscientific coal mining for the contamination and pollution of rivers in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, even as he disagreed to the notion shown by the environmentalists on the catastrophic effects caused by the cement plants in Khliehriat sub division of Jaintia Hills district.
Speaking to newsmen, the Meghalaya deputy chief minister spoke at length about his visit to four cement plants. Stating that he had gone along with thee officials from the Pollution Control Board, department of forest and industries, Lanong said that the inputs received from all sides indicated that the cement plants have nothing to do with the pollution of rivers and streams in the area.
“It is the unscientific coal mining that is the cause of concern”, stated Lanong , adding, “I utter these words on the basis of the technical inputs of the officers who briefed me”.
A senior magistrate to four other officials of the department concern accompanied the deputy chief minister to his visit to four cement plants. These plants belong to Star Cement, Adhunik Cement ,Green Valley Cement and Hills Cement. Giving a clean chit to these four cement plants, Lanong stated, “The discharge of chemicals are treated and I am told that it will not pollute the water bodies”.
Lanong was not hesitant to state that the unscientific mining is the main cause of water contamination in the rich coal belt under khliehriat sub division of Jaintia Hills district.
It can be noted that there were many areas within the sub division that have to buy water as far as from Jowai to meet the demand of water in time of family or community festivities.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/coal-mining-process-unscientific-dy-cm-lanong/
