MSPCB halts establishment of coke plant in East Jaintia Hills after opposition from Wapungskur village

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 14, 2025

The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has directed the M/s Om Om Coke to halt all construction activities for the establishment of its coke factory at Thlukuru in East Jaintia Hills following the cancellation of the No-objection certificate (NOC) by the Dolloi of Jowai Elaka.

This came after the dorbar shnong of Wapungskur had registered strong objection against the proposed setting up of the coke factory citing that the land at Thlukuru, Mookhep village falls under its jurisdiction. 

“…I am to inform you that this office is in receipt of withdrawal /revocation letter of No objection certificate issued by the Dolloi, Jowai Elaka and Waheh shnong Mukhep respectively. In this connection, you are hereby directed to halt all construction activities pertaining to establishment of the sake coke factory at Thlukure Wah Tongtiang, East Jaintia Hills,” MSPCB member secretary Dr GH Chyrmang said in a letter to the M/s Om Om Coke on Monday.

This decision was also conveyed to a delegation of the Wapungskur dorbar shnong, which has strongly demanded the immediate cancellation and revocation of the CTE or any related document/license that have been grated to the company. 

The delegation also warned to take stern legal action if the company is allowed to set up the coke factory within its jurisdiction.

On April 10, the Dolloi of Jowai Elaka Puramon Kynjing has issued order cancelling no objection certificate (NOC) issued for the proposed setting up of a coke plant. Prior to this, headman of Mookhep village Denish Siangshai has written a letter to the Dolloi on April 4, for cancellation of the same.

Earlier, headman of Wapungskur Postling Dkhar had maintained that  there is no boundary dispute between Mookhep and Wapungskur. “Both the villages have proper boundaries. But it is clearly seen that the land where the proposed coke plant will be set up falls within the jurisdiction of Wapungskur.”

Further, the Wapungskur headman informed that the Chief Forest Officer (CFO) of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) has assured the delegation of the dorbar shnong that the NOC and clearance issued by the council will be immediately cancelled since the OM OM Coke have failed to submit proper documents.

It was on March 7, the MSPCB had granted the consent to establish (CTE) to Om Om Coke for setting up a LAM COKE Manufacturing Unit with 1 chimney only at Thlakuru, Mookhep village with a project cost of Rs 4.50 crore.

The CoE was valid for a period up to February 28, 2026 unless otherwise suspended or revoked. The validity period shall be extended, if necessary, till such time the industry is ready for commercial production.