SHILLONG : The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has lodged a complaint with the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), seeking immediate action against RNB Cement Pvt. Ltd. over allegations of severe dust pollution affecting residents of Umiam Nongsder.
The complaint was submitted on Wednesday under the leadership of HITO president Donbok Dkhar, following complaints from local residents and members of the organisation regarding the alleged emission of large quantities of dust from the cement factory.
Speaking to reporters after submitting the complaint, Dkhar said the organisation had reviewed videos purportedly showing emissions from the factory.
According to him, the emissions appeared to be dust or particulate matter rather than smoke released through the factory’s chimney. He alleged that the dust has become a serious environmental concern and is adversely affecting people living in the surrounding areas.
HITO has urged the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board to take immediate action and, if the factory is found to be violating pollution control norms, to shut down its operations until it complies with the required environmental standards.
The organisation also called on the authorities to ensure that the factory adopts modern pollution control measures to prevent the release of harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
Dkhar further warned that if the Pollution Control Board fails to take appropriate action, HITO would be compelled to launch its own agitation and move to shut down the factory.
The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board has not yet issued any official response to the allegations made by HITO.