The NGT committee has directed the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) as well as the Deputy Commissioner to take necessary legal action against all illegal coke factories operating in West Khasi Hills.
In a recent order, the committee has also directed the Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills to submit fresh status report regarding status of operation of coke industries in the district.
Earlier, the MSPCB informed the NGT committee that 17 coke factories are operating in West Khasi Hills despite having been served with closure notice as they do not possess consent to establish (CTE) and consent to operate (CTO).
MSPCB had already filed an FIR against Mongri Coke.
The NGT committee has directed that similar FIR should be filed against other coke factories that are flouting the Water Pollution Act and Air Pollution Act.
Moreover, the MSPCB has informed the committee that 15 coke industries are operating in East Jaintia Hills and one in West Jaintia Hills.
Out of these coke industries, few are yet to apply for CTE and few industries have not yet been issued CTO.
The NGT committee has directed the MSPCB and deputy commissioners of East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills to file a final status report in respect of coke industries in the two districts.
