A fresh round of legal confrontation is set to unfold as the Environmental Coordination Committee (ECC) gears up to challenge the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) over the alleged legalization of previously illegal coke plants.
Reading War, the legal advisor of ECC, has expressed outrage, asserting that the pollution board is the “main culprit” in the issue. “Now is the second phase of fighting against the coke plants. In the first phase, we approached the Supreme Court, National Green Tribunal (NGT), High Court, and other authorities. We believed we had achieved partial success. However, a recent RTI has revealed that 16 more coke plants were granted Consent to Establish (CTE) within the past year despite being previously declared illegal,” War said.
According to War, these plants were earlier termed as “erring coke plants,” and the state government, through the MSPCB, had filed cases against them before the NGT. Additionally, environmental compensation had been imposed. “It is surprising that even after proper inspections and reports from MSPCB, they have now been issued fresh consents, effectively legalizing them,” War remarked.
He further emphasized that the fight would not solely target the state government or the plant owners but would primarily focus on the MSPCB. “After thorough analysis, we found that the board is responsible for this situation. We will seek explanations on what grounds these illegal plants were legalized. Until we receive a response, we will continue to press for the truth,” he added.
The legal advisor also warned of dire consequences for the local residents. Comparing the current scenario to the environmental crisis in Byrnihat, he highlighted the looming dangers in Elaka Sutnga, where several coke plants are situated within residential areas. “If 30-40 coke plants operate day and night near settlements, the residents will face severe health hazards. Already, complaints of breathing problems and sore throats emerged when only a few plants started operations in 2020. Many have stopped complaining, not because the issue is resolved, but because their bodies are trying to adapt to the pollution,” War said.
With the anticipation of an additional 20-30 coke plants starting operations soon, War fears that residents will be left with no choice but to relocate. “The consequence will be disastrous. The people of Elaka Sutnga have lived here for generations. Relocation is not a solution; the authorities must act responsibly,” he concluded.
