Elaka Sutnga demanded dismantling of 29 illegal coke units within 3 months

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 30, 2022

The Environment Co-ordination Committee, Elaka Sutnga demanded the Meghalaya Govt to dismantle the 29 (Twenty Nine) coke units in Elaka Sutnga within three months, which has been proven to be set up illegally and against all environmental norms.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, the ECC along with Waheh Shnong of the various villages urged the Govt to take immediate action as to pass necessary/directive order/orders in directing the owners or proprietors of the 29 (Twenty Nine) units to dismantle their respective units within 3 (Three) months.

They also said any unit failing to comply with such order/orders the same the Govt will authorize the District Magistrate, Khliehriat to dismantle all the erring coke plants.

The letter said that the MSPCB (Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board) on the 21-02-2022 informed that 29 (Twenty Nine) Units have been granted with Refusal of Consent by the concerned regulatory authority.

On the basis of RTI reply, the ECC informed it is found there are 29 (Twenty Nine) units of the erring coke plants have been issued with Refusal of Consent by the MSPCB.

The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board filed on the 28-01-2022 before the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal, Eastern Zone, Kolkata, in reply to Original Application filed by one of the ECC members Pynbait Sutnga.

In Para 7 reads under:
“29 units have been Refused the grant of consent by the Consent Committee vide minutes of meeting held on the 7th December, 2021.”

The unit was operating without prior consent from the Board thereby violating Section 25 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and section 21 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981.

The letter informed closure Notice was issued under Section 33 (A) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) At, 1974 and Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, Vide No. MPCB/GEN-329/2020/2020-2021/60, dated: 8th March, 2021.

The Environment Co-ordination Committee Elaka (ECC) Sutnga, East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, India is backed up by Waheh Shnong of various villages viz., Moopala, Sookilo, Sutnga, Umlawang, Mookympad, Tluh, Jarain, Sakhain, Sakhian Mooliment, Latyrke, Lamyrsiang, Moolamylliang, Lelad, Tangnub, Byndehati, Umtyra, Umrangso, Nongrim Hills, Nongsning, Jalaphet Bri-Sutnga, Moolait Bri-Sutnga and all other adjacent villages in East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya,