Shillong, July 11: Government of Meghalaya has taken decisive action to address the issue of illegal coke plants in the state and also ensure compliance to the orders of the Meghalaya High Court.

In a press statement, Joint Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya in-charge Forest and Environment Department, said action had already been initiated against the illegal coke plants in December 2022 by shutting down the illegal plants and initiate 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.

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

It further informed that the demolition of chimneys and other physical infrastructure of the illegal plants has commenced from July 8, 2023. 3 chimneys have been demolished till July 10, 2023 and the work is targeted to be completed by July 20. Several persons behind these illegal operations have been identified and arrested.

“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 Joint Secretary stressed, clearly referring to reports of operation of coke plants and the question on government’s inaction.

He further asserted that 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.

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

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