Two illegal coke plants were demolished in East Jaiñtia Hills today.
The two plants demolished were Halari Coke and Shauryansi Coke, both under Elaka Sutnga. The demolition of the chimneys of these two illegal coke factories was carried out under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner, J. Shylla.
The team had representatives from the office of Superintendent of Police, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, and District Commerce and Industries Centre.
East Jaiñtia Hills Deputy Commissioner, Abhilash Baranwal said the two factories were constructed without having Consent to Established (CTE) from Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board.
He informed that the district administration had passed two orders to carry out the demolition exercise on July 7 and July 11 as there was a likelihood that these illegal under-construction factories might attempt to operate clandestinely using locally sourced coal and thus facilitating illegal coal mining within the district.
Baranwal said the demolition was carried out by blasting through explosives. While Halari Coke Plant was demolished at around 12 pm, Shauryansi Coke was demolished at around 3:30 pm.
“All safety precautions were observed during the process and no injuries were reported. The demolition exercise will continue over the next few weeks against all illegally constructed coke plants within the district,” he said.
