The East Jaiñtia Hills Deputy Commissioner has asked police to take action against illegal coke plants in the district who have not complied with the closure order issued last month.
In a non compliance FIR lodged with the district Superintendent of Police, Deputy Commissioner Ethelbert Kharmalki has sought necessary action under Section 188 IPC.
In July, the East Jaiñtia Hills district administration has ordered closure of coke factories operating in the district without the consent to operate (CTO) under the Air & Water Act. Coke plants granted with the consent to establish (CTE) and without the CTO are allowed to establish but cannot operate. Moreover, coke factories that received single-window clearances are ordered for closure.
However, Kharmalki in the FIR said that these illegal coke plants continue to operate in the district.
“Therefore, necessary action has to taken to ensure complete close down of the plants not having CTE and CTO so that no operation takes place inside the factory and to book them under Section 188 IPC and other relevant sections of the law,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
Meanwhile, members of the Environmental Co-ordination Committee Elaka Sutnga and the waheh shnongs today met the Deputy Commissioner and demanded that all illegal coke plants be shut down in three days time.
The committee expressed concern over non-compliance of the shut down order issued by the district administration following a physical inspection by officials of Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) to these factories.
“We will be forced to carry out a public movement and hit the streets if these illegal coke plants are not shut down till August 20,” publicity secretary of the committee, M. Shadap told reporters.
