SHILLONG:
The Supreme Court, on July 21, stayed the demolition of coke plants as directed by the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills; however, the court granted the DC the liberty to seal the coke plants premises.
“Meanwhile, demolition of coke plants, as directed by the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District shall remain stayed. However, the said Deputy Commissioner shall be at liberty to seal the coke plants’ premises which shall remain non-operational,” the Supreme Court said after hearing a petition filed by DRUK Fuel Limited.
“Liberty is granted to the petitioner to serve the respondents through standing counsel,” the order further stated, adding that liberty is also granted to the caveator – Monu Kumar to seek his impleadment and file the counter affidavit.
The Government of Meghalaya had earlier taken decisive action to address the issue of illegal coke plants in the state by ordering the demolition of illegal coke plants across the state, particularly in West Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
The demolition of chimneys and other physical infrastructure of the illegal plants commenced from July 8, and 3 chimneys were demolished till July 10.
Likewise, on July 12, the East Jaintia Hills district administration demolished the chimneys of the two coke factories which were constructed without having Consent to Establish (CTE) from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board.
Similarly, 13 chimneys were demolished at Nonglangpar (Kyllonmathei) in West Khasi Hills till July 15, and the work to destroy illegal chimneys was targeted to be completed by July 20 in the state.