Moidangpok residents issue deadline to shut down 'illegal' stone crushers and brick kilns
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IMPHAL, Mar 10: Aggrieved residents of Moidangpok, Moidangpok Khunou, and New Keithelmanbi have issued a stern ultimatum to the Government, demanding immediate closure of illegal stone crushers and brick kilns operating in their locality.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand today, the villagers highlighted that these units are operating in flagrant violation of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Factories Act, 1948.
Despite a prior conviction of seven owners by the Court of the CJM, the industrial plants continue to operate, causing widespread respiratory issues and destroying local paddy fields, they said.
"Our children cannot breathe, and our farmers have lost their livelihoods, " stated a community representative.
"The authorities have been silent for too long. If concrete action is not taken by March 14, 2026, we will be forced to block National Highway 37 indefinitely. We do not want to cause inconvenience to the public, but the Government's inaction has left us with no other democratic choice," said the residents.
The villagers are demanding an immediate on-site quality check of air and noise levels and the immediate sealing of all units lacking valid 'Consent to Operate' permits, they said.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand today, the villagers highlighted that these units are operating in flagrant violation of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Factories Act, 1948.
Despite a prior conviction of seven owners by the Court of the CJM, the industrial plants continue to operate, causing widespread respiratory issues and destroying local paddy fields, they said.
"Our children cannot breathe, and our farmers have lost their livelihoods, " stated a community representative.
"The authorities have been silent for too long. If concrete action is not taken by March 14, 2026, we will be forced to block National Highway 37 indefinitely. We do not want to cause inconvenience to the public, but the Government's inaction has left us with no other democratic choice," said the residents.
The villagers are demanding an immediate on-site quality check of air and noise levels and the immediate sealing of all units lacking valid 'Consent to Operate' permits, they said.