Shillong, Dec 6: Seventeen illegal coke oven plants in West Khasi Hills district were demolished by the district administration between December 1 to 3.
The Supreme Court in its November 25, 2024 had directed the demolition of coke oven plants violating sitting norms, stemming from the larger illegal coal mining issue in Meghalaya.
A team comprising of officials from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Police officers and the district administration under the supervision Additional Deputy Commissioner S. Marwein was formed to oversee the demolition.
The illegal coke plants razed were 11 in Kyllon Mathei, three in Swangre, two in Pyndengjalong, Shallang and another in Nongshynrum, as per a statement released by the West Khasi Hills district administration.
The Justice (Retd) Brojendra Prasad Katakey Committee in its 33rd interim report had recommended demolition of the 33 illegal coke oven plants, including 16 in East Jaintia Hills District.
The committee had warned that their continued existence “increases the possibility of use of raw material, i.e., coal sourced from illegal mining in the State.”
In its latest 34th interim report, the committee has reiterated that illegal mining of coal and its transportation are continuing. He has directed the authorities concerned to intensify patrolling where such illegal activities are taking place.
The state government has also been directed to immediately release funds to demolish illegal coke oven plants and recovery of Rs. 530.59 lakh from 15 coke oven plants and Rs 1.31 crore from Shree Sakambari Ferro Alloy Pvt Ltd urgently.
