Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma has said that all illegal coke plants in the state have been shut down.
“As of now in the state of Meghalaya whichever coke plant that was set up illegally has been shut down and only the ones who have got the paperwork (including) environmental clearance are being allowed to function. Therefore, there is no question of any illegal coke plants functioning,” Sangma told reporters in Shillong on June 7.
“If there are any plants that try to come ‘illegally’ that will also be closed,” he assured.
Stressing on the need to ensure there is a balance between the ecology and the economy, CM Conrad Sangma said: “That is the challenge and balance that we keep working towards and that is why there are guidelines and principles based on which certain industries can be set up.”
The chief minister said that the government also wanted to see that more and better technology is used so that the environment aspects are reduced while “we also look at job creation and employment and ensure that the economy is sustained.”
“Therefore, to balance between these two is challenging but as we move along with the help of technology, we will be able to achieve it,” he added.
Further, Sangma admitted the importance of creating awareness among the citizens and said: “Of course, the awareness part is an on-going process and we need to create awareness as much as possible.”
