Two illegal coke factories demolished, 30 more to go in East Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 12, 2023

In what could be termed as triumph to the people of Elaka Sutnga, East Jaintia Hills District, two out of the several illegal coke factories situated within the jurisdiction of Elaka were razed to the ground on Wednesday by the Meghalaya Government machinery in compliance to the order of the High Court of Meghalaya.

Notably, the people of Elaka Sutnga under the banner of the Environment Co-ordination Committee (ECC) of Elaka Sutnga were battling out against 32 illegal coke factories in Elaka Sutnga for their adverse effect to the environment.

The demolition drive of the illegal coke factories was carried out under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills Jonathan Shylla along with representatives from the office of Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, and District Commerce and Industries Centre.

The team demolished chimneys of Halari Coke Plant, Sutnga Elaka and Shauryansi Coke, Wah Samsier, Sutnga.

The two coke factories were constructed without having Consent to Established (CTE) from Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board. The exercise was carried out in pursuance to this Office Order No: EJHD/GENL.261/COKE/Pt.IV/2023/151 Dated 7th July, 2023 and Order No: EJHD/GENL.261/COKE/Pt.IV/2023/152 Dated 11th July, 2023.

These orders were issued recently by the District Administration 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.

The demolition of the two coke factories was carried out by blasting through explosives. 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.