The Supreme Court has stayed the demolition of coke plants in East Jaiñtia Hills district and gave the Deputy Commissioner liberty to seal the coke plants.
The order by the apex court came after a writ petition was filed by the Druk Fuels Limited.
“Demolition of coke plants, as directed by the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaiñtia Hills District shall remain stayed. However, the said Deputy Commissioner shall be at liberty to seal the coke plants’ premises which shall remain non-operational” the court said in its order.
“Liberty is granted to the petitioner to serve the respondents through standing counsel,” the order further stated, adding that liberty is also granted to the caveator – Monu Kumar to seek his impleadment and file the counter affidavit.
Druk Fuels Limited located at Mookympad village under Elaka Sutnga is owned by Youdhistra Bhama, Gourav Bhama, Rishi Prasad Agarwal and Shreyan Goyal.
Bhama of Bongaon, Beltola, Guwahati was arrested on June 15 for his involvement in setting up illegal coke oven plants in Shallang, West Khasi Hills district.
The demolition of chimneys of illegal coke plants was being conducted in East Jaiñtia Hills by the district administration in compliance with the order of Meghalaya High Court in December 2022.
Altogether there are 34 illegal coke plants in East Jaiñtia Hills district. Five of these constructed without having Consent to Establish (CTE) from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, have been razed.
