Shillong: In the 20th interim report by Justice (retired) BP Katakey, it was revealed that nineteen coke oven plants in Meghalaya are currently operating without obtaining the Consent To Operate (CTO). The report, submitted before the High Court of Meghalaya, highlights the locations of these plants in East Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills.
As per the information provided by the Member Secretary of Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), out of the 19 coke oven plants in East Jaintia Hills, CTOs granted to nine are currently valid. However, the remaining ten plants do not possess a valid CTO. In West Jaintia Hills, both coke oven plants have a valid CTO. Meanwhile, in West Khasi Hills, only one out of four coke oven plants holds a valid CTO, with the remaining three having invalid CTOs. Additionally, all six coke oven plants in South West Khasi Hills lack valid CTOs.
The report concludes that out of the 31 Coke Oven Plants in the state, to which Consent To Establish (CTE) were granted by MSPCB, only 12 have valid CTOs to operate. Consequently, the 19 plants without valid CTOs cannot be allowed to continue their operations.
In response to a February 2, 2024 communication from the MSPCB Member Secretary, stating that all seven ferro alloy plants have valid CTOs, the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the concerned districts were advised to ensure that the 19 coke oven plants cease operations. The DCs were also instructed to submit a report within a fortnight.
The committee recommends issuing directions to the DCs of East Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills to enforce the closure of the 19 Meghalaya coke oven plants until they obtain valid CTOs.
The report also provides the status of the audit of coal and coke sources for the Meghalaya coke oven plants, ferro alloy plants, and captive power plants of cement factories. The ongoing audit of the source of coal and coke for ferro alloy plants and captive power plants of cement factories is expected to be completed within a month.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
During the audit of Meghalaya coke oven plants’ coal sources, eight were found to have sourced part of their total coal requirement from an illegal source, leading to the issuance of demand notices.
While five plants have paid the demanded royalty and cess, one has expressed willingness to pay, and two others have not responded. The committee recommends initiating appropriate proceedings to realise the demanded royalty and cess from the three non-compliant Meghalaya coke oven plants.
Also Read: Arunachal: Youths remove 5,000 kg of waste from Barapani River