Coke factory annihilating Orange Plantations in Narwan areas

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 6, 2022

The coke factory in East Jaintia Hills District seem to be more of bane than a boon to the people of the district as opposition to the coke factory never seem to end.

This time the villagers of Narwan and Sahkai under Sutnga Saipung Constituency complained that their orange plantations are being hampered by the air pollution emanating from a nearby Coke Plant located at Sookilo under Elaka Sutnga.

The coke plant came into operation in the year 2020 and since then the smoke released from the coke plant adversely affected the environment in their village.

The senior citizen and the children were worsely affected to the extent that breathing the air in these particular areas is very challenging, said joint representation submitted by the Waheh Chnong of Narwan and Sahkai to Forest & Environment Minister James K Sangma.

Also Read | Elaka Sutnga demanded dismantling of 29 illegal coke units within 3 months

The oranges from the two villages is well known for its quality and taste in and around Meghalaya over a long period of time, informed the two concerned Waheh Chnong.

They rued the establishment of the coke plant in around the areas especially at Sookilo village since 2020 has caused a devastating impact on the environment and the same can be seen affecting the productivity of the oranges in their area.

The representation informed Sangma that over the last couple of years there is premature ripping of oranges hampering the market value and causing economic loss to the villagers.

They also said another strange phenomenon experienced by the villagers is that the flower of the fruit trees during blossom season is annihilated by the pollution and causing it to fall down.

Moreover, the plant and vegetation in the village area are not growing new leaves due to the smoke emanating from the chimney of the coke plant and the cattle are facing shortage of food, apprised the two Waheh Chnong.

They urged the Minister to come to their rescue and save the famous orange plantations of Narwan from being extinct.