Demolition of illegal coke plants to be completed by July 20: Govt

SHILLONG, JULY 11: The ongoing demolition of chimneys and other physical infrastructure of the illegal coke plants is targeted to be completed on July 20.

Informing this on Tuesday, the state government in a press communiqué said the demolition of chimneys and other physical infrastructure of the illegal plants has commenced from July 8.

“3 chimneys have been demolished till July 10 and the work is targeted to be completed by July 20,” it said while adding that several persons behind these illegal operations have been identified and arrested.

The statement said that the state government has taken decisive action to address the issue of illegal coke plants in the state and also ensure compliance to the orders of the High Court of Meghalaya.

It added that in fact action had already been initiated against the illegal coke plants in December 2022 by shutting down the illegal plants and initiates the process of dismantling the bee-hive coke ovens to ensure that they do not become operational again.

This process continued till April 2023 resulting in significant progress in eradication of these unlawful establishments.

The communiqué further stated that in consonance with the Government’s commitment towards enforcing the law and directives of High Court, unequivocal directions were issued to demolish the entire infrastructure behind these unlawful establishments and identify and prosecute the culprits behind this illegal activity.

The concrete measures and proactive steps of the government in executing these actions to dismantle the infrastructure supporting the illegal coke plants are contrary to any perception of silence on the issue.

“The government remains steadfast in its commitment towards upholding the rule of law and preserving the pristine environment of the state for its residents. The eradication of illegal coke plants is an essential step towards achieving these objectives and restoring the region’s ecological balance,” it added.

Further, the government urged all residents, local community members, and relevant stakeholders to support these measures and cooperate with the authorities during the ongoing operation.

By Our Reporter