SHILLONG:
As many as 69 applications have been received from entrepreneurs/private companies for clearance from state pollution control board since 2018-19 till date for establishing coke-oven factories.
Of these, 47 applicants are from East Jaintia Hills district, 14 West Khasi Hills district, 6 South West Khasi Hills district and 2 West Jaintia Hills district.
This was informed by the Minister in-charge Forests & Environment James K Sangma in a reply to unstarred questions tabled in the just concluded Assembly’s autumn session.
A total of 10 coke-oven factories were issued with CTOs (consent to operate) during the period.
These include 10 in East Jaintia Hills, 4 West Khasi Hills and 1 West Jaintia Hills.
16 coke-oven factories were also granted CTOs of which 12 in East Jaintia Hills district, 4 West Khasi Hills and 1 West Jaintia Hills.