Children and womenfolk of Mayaikoibi Ningthoujam Leikai, Imphal West on Sunday protested against the ongoing move to convert the abandoned LP School at their locality as dry cleaner and multi-laundry industry unit allegedly without the consultation and consent of villagers.
Speaking to the media, a protester said that the villagers of Mayaikoibi are worried that the opening of a dry cleaning unit in school and residential areas will pollute the surrounding area and affect the health of locals.
She pointed out that the unit will be a ‘public health concern’ and ‘public nuisance’ in the locality due to potential risk of emission and discharge of toxic chemicals and waste into the air, water and soil in residential areas including the community pond.
On the other hand, the ground has been used as a playground for children, besides usage for social events of the community, she further said, adding constructing such buildings will hinder free play of children and the use of the ground by the locality.
“We do not have any objections in utilising the school ground for educational and sport uses. However, we will not accept the use of the ground for establishing industrial units which will affect the health of the surrounding villagers,” she added.
The establishment of dry cleaning and a multi-laundry unit in the residential areas should be stopped till the villagers to be affected are fully deliberated, she added.
