Imphal: All the stone crusher units and other industries established in and around Moidangpok village, Moidangpok Khunou and New Keithelmanbi at Imphal West District were found to be illegal. This came to light when a team of industry department officials and members of the JAC, which was recently formed by the villagers of three villages against the polluting factories/industries in the area, inspected these industrial units on Monday.
There are around eight stone crushers units, brickfields and Bitumen Mixer Plant in the area.
When the officials of the Industries department enquired about the licences, permits and other required documents including NOCs of local villagers, not a single unit was able to provide them.
Speaking to media persons, Phulchand Singh, Officer In-charge, Internal Task Force, Directorate of Trade, Commerce and Industry, said that there are certain guidelines which include the prohibition of establishing a factory or industry at the radius of 500 metres from the main road/highway or 300 metres from the nearest school. However, all every industry/factory in this area did not follow any of the guidelines of the government.
Since the factory/industry owners failed to provide those documents, the industry department in consultation with the higher officials will take up follow up legal action and will send legal notice to them, he announced.
Phulchand Singh also appealed to those who wish to establish a factory or industry to follow proper guidelines of the government.
It may be mentioned that last week, S Tombi Devi, Secretary, JAC Against Polluting Factories/Industries in and Moidangpok, Moidangpok Khunou and New Keithelmanbi alleged that these units not only operate day and night without remorse, least mindful of the hazardous effect on the villagers.
The pollution discharged from these units has also affected the entire areas which was once full of greenery. Almost all the paddy fields are finding it difficult to survive, irrigation facilities have been blocked, she charged.
