Khoirom MIE row : Locals demand shifting of MIE, decry MPCB test
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, September 22 2022:
Denouncing the manner in which the Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) tested the ambient air quality and noise pollution level at Khoirom Minor Industrial Estate on September 19, locals of Yairipok Khoirom Mathak Leikai staged a sit-in protest today at Khoirom Mathak Leikai Handpump Makhong Community Hall.
The protest was organised by JAC Against The Establishing Of The Khoirom MIE In Residential Area.
Speaking to media persons, the protesters expressed their concern over the accuracy of the test conducted on September 19 by MPCB.
The protesters informed that they cannot accept the results of the test conducted by MPCB as only one plywood factory and one sawmill was operational on the day in Khoirom MIE.
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Alleging that a number of factors were not considered during the test, they informed that there are 2 plywood factories, 5 sawmills and 2 stone crushers operating in the MIE.
Claiming that the MIE was established without any prior consent of the people or any Gram Sabha, the villagers further appealed to the State Government to shift the MIE from Khoirom Mathak Leikai at the earliest.
Placards with the slogans, "Save environment", "Save future generations", "Shift MIE from Khoirom Mathak Leikai", etc were used at the protest.