Imphal, Aug 02: Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) has rejected the notification issued by member secretary of Manipur Pollution Board on July 5 inviting suggestions, views and objections from the public and notifying for public hearing in connection with the construction of the proposed Capital complex.

The notification itself has muzzled the voice of the public through imposition of mere 300 words for suggestions, views, objection and misunderstanding of the words 'public hearing', programme co-ordinator of CORE Kinderson Pamei said in a statement.

CORE also condemned the deliberate attempt allegedly made by MPCB with clandestinely associated with the State Works Department officials to go through the project by flouting all the established legal norms and procedures including the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Environmental (Protection) Rules, 1986 and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification SO 60 (E) dated 27/01/1994.Pointing out specific violations of the laws by MPCB, the statement contended that the notification issued by MPCB member secretary is not in compliance of the provision enumerated in the notification published by Union Ministry of Environment and Forest on January 27, 1994 and its amendments from time to time.

Among other violation of the laws, the statement further contended choosing the official complex of deputy Commissioner of Imphal East as the venue for the Public Hearing is clear misunderstanding of the words 'public hearing' as this would excluded many concerned persons thus amounting to violation of the freedom of speech and express.

In the light of these facts, CORE demanded the notification issued on July 5, 2005 should be recalled.

CORE has also reportedly served a legal notice to MPCB member secretary in this regard.

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