Nongpoh, October 20: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Baridua Circle, has allowed the Megha Food cattle feed manufacturing factory at Baridua in Ri Bhoi district to resume operations after the management reportedly addressed complaints over foul odour and obtained the necessary documents, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the village authorities.
The factory had been locked by FKJGP members last week following complaints from local residents about an unpleasant smell allegedly emanating from the premises. The organisation had also raised concerns that the factory was operating without the required documentation, particularly an NOC from the Baridua Dorbar Shnong.
The earlier closure was carried out by FKJGP Baridua Circle President Denis Nongrum and General Secretary Allan D. Sohpdang, accompanied by members of the organisation.
During the protest, FKJGP members locked the factory premises and retained the keys, demanding that the management address the concerns raised by residents before operations could resume.
The organisation particularly insisted that the factory introduce effective measures to eliminate the foul smell, which residents claimed was affecting their daily lives.
Following discussions and corrective measures reportedly undertaken by the factory management, the FKJGP decided to hand over the keys and permit the factory to reopen.
Speaking after handing over the keys, Denis Nongrum said the organisation had been compelled to close the factory because of numerous complaints from Baridua residents.
He explained that the factory had now reportedly fulfilled the necessary requirements, including obtaining the village NOC and addressing the odour problem, prompting the organisation to allow operations to resume.
However, Nongrum made it clear that the permission came with a strict warning.
He said the factory management must continue to maintain the required documentation and ensure that its operations do not cause further inconvenience to nearby residents.
The FKJGP warned that it would move to shut down the factory again if foul odour returned and fresh complaints were received from villagers.
Nongrum also appealed to the residents of Baridua to remain vigilant and report any recurrence of the problem to the organisation.
He assured residents that the FKJGP would take necessary action if the factory failed to maintain the conditions under which it had been permitted to reopen.
The development comes after the organisation’s intervention over environmental and public health concerns raised by residents living near the factory.
