Khoirom Minor Industrial Estate row : Air quality & noise pollution tests conducted amid heavy security
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, September 19 2022:
Officials of the Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) carried out the "Ambient Air Quality Monitoring" and "Ambient Noise Monitoring" amid heavy security at Minor Industrial Estate (MIE), Yairipok Khoirom Mathak Leikai on Monday.
A large number of personnel from Thoubal District Police and CDO Thoubal Unit were deployed at the area for the smooth conduct of the tests and to prevent any untoward incident.
It may be mentioned that on September 15, people of Khoirom Mathak Leikai prevented the officials of MPCB and Thoubal Forest Division from carrying out the tests at the MIE.
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The locals of Yairipok Khoirom Mathak Leikai have been urging the State Government to close the plywood factory and sawmills operating in the MIE or relocate it to another location.
The JAC against the establishing of the Khoirom MIE in a residential area has been spearheading the demand to close or shift the plywood factory and sawmill since September 4 .
Denouncing the failure of the Government to fulfil their demands, the villagers also blocked the road leading to the MIE today to prevent the air quality & noise pollution tests.
The crowd was later dispersed after a meeting between the protestors and officials of the Forest Department and Manipur Pollution Control Board.
Speaking to media persons, Thoubal Forest Division DFO, Th Lokendro informed that air quality and noise pollution tests have been conducted today for the saw mills and houses in the vicinity of Khoirom MIE.
He continued that after receiving the test results from Manipur Pollution Control Board, the results will be presented before a State Level Committee for deliberation on the way forward.
Meanwhile, owners of the factories operating in Khoirom MIE have appealed to the public to provide their support and work together in the Industrial Estate.