RTI exposes MSPCB’s U-turn: 16 banned coke plants now legal?

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 3, 2025

The Environment Coordination Committee (ECC) has raised serious concerns over the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) allegedly issuing licenses to illegal coke plants in East Jaintia Hills, despite several agitations by the residents of Elaka Sutnga.

ECC, which has been vigilant against the illegal operation of coke plants in the region, claimed to have received credible information that some previously banned plants have resumed operations. Acting on this, ECC President Never Lamurong, along with other ECC leaders, inspected M/s Barbarik Coke at Nongjri, Elaka Sutnga, on December 14, 2024, and found that the plant was under repair and being prepared for operation.

According to ECC, 31 coke plants had been declared erring, and their applications for consent were cancelled by MSPCB on January 6, 2022. The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Kolkata, had also imposed hefty fines on them, with a directive to comply within 15 days. Furthermore, complaint cases were filed against these plants in the district court, where proceedings are still pending. However, in a shocking revelation from a recent RTI report, ECC discovered that MSPCB had issued 16 Consent to Establish (CTE) permits to some of these very plants.

The newly approved coke plants include M/s North East Coke Industries, M/s Magic Coke Second Chimney, M/s MM Minerals, M/s Unique Coke Industry Second Chimney, M/s Presidium Breez, M/s Ioanis Industries Pvt. Second Chimney, M/s Mega Coke Second Chimney, M/s Umthe Carbon, M/s Jaintia Coke Industries Second Chimney, M/s SD Coke Industries, M/s Vaishnu Private Ltd, M/s Malang Coke Industries, M/s Barbarik Coke Industries, M/s Royalborn Associate Coke, M/s Westland Coke, and M/s SS Coke.

Expressing deep concern over this development, ECC leaders accused the government of attempting to legalize previously illegal coke plants. “We are really surprised to learn that several coke plants once considered illegal, with their applications cancelled, are now being legalized by MSPCB,” said ECC President Never Lamurong. “It is clear that there is a deliberate attempt to bypass the law, and the Chief Minister must take full responsibility if any illegality is found.”

ECC has issued an ultimatum to the government to halt all licensing of coke plants immediately, warning of strong legal action against MSPCB and any involved officials if no action is taken. “We will explore alternative forms of agitation against the government’s intention to legalize these coke plants,” said an ECC leader. “If licenses have been granted to the erring plants, we will file a case at NGT against MSPCB for violating environmental laws.”

Accusing the government of ignoring public concerns, ECC stated, “Despite multiple representations, protests, and meetings with the Chief Minister and concerned officials, they remain indifferent to the people’s demands. RTI findings indicate that the government is now actively planning to grant licenses to these illegal coke plants.”

ECC President Never Lamurong further warned about the severe consequences of legalizing such a large number of coke plants. “With the government’s current stance, East Jaintia Hills could soon turn into the next Byrnihat. If this continues, in a few years, the area will become uninhabitable due to pollution.”

Expressing frustration over the state government’s defiance of court orders, another ECC leader remarked, “The Meghalaya High Court and NGT had directed the government to frame a policy regarding coke plants, but instead of complying, they are granting illegal licenses. People in these areas will soon be unable to live there, and several cases are still pending in court. We feel helpless.”

The ECC has demanded a report from MSPCB regarding any licenses granted to previously disqualified coke plants. It has vowed to take legal action against the concerned authorities if any violations are found, underscoring the growing tension between the government and the residents of Elaka Sutnga.