Residents of Moidangpok, Moidangpok Khunou and New Keithelmanbi in Imphal West district have issued an ultimatum to the Manipur Government, demanding the immediate closure of alleged illegal stone crushing units and brick fields operating in the area.
In a joint statement, the Moidangpok Khulen Women’s Society and the Recent Youth Club, Moidangpok, stated that the community has set April 3 as the deadline for action, failing which an indefinite blockade of National Highway-37 would be launched.
The residents alleged that despite repeated complaints to the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West, the Directorate of Trade, Commerce and Industries, the Manipur Pollution Control Board and the Forest Department, the industrial units continue to operate in violation of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014 and the Factories Act, 1948.
They further stated that although a court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate had earlier convicted seven stone crusher owners, the units remain operational in defiance of judicial orders. While closure notices were reportedly issued by the Directorate of Trade, Commerce and Industries, the residents alleged that new unauthorised stone crushers and brick fields have continued to emerge in the area without regulatory action.
The statement noted that the unchecked operations have led to serious environmental and health concerns, including rising respiratory ailments among villagers due to air pollution, damage to paddy fields and contamination of agricultural by-products, affecting traditional farming practices.
The residents maintained that prolonged inaction by the authorities has compelled them to consider stronger measures, including blocking NH-37, despite concerns over public inconvenience.
They demanded a comprehensive verification of the legality of all newly established stone crushers and brick fields, immediate physical sealing of units that have been served closure notices, and strict enforcement of the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014 and other applicable forest and environmental laws.