Shillong, June 7: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday claimed that no illegal coke plants are operational in Meghalaya, at present.
Reacting to a query on illegal coke plants in state, he said all illegal coke plants have been asked to shut down and only the ones with proper paper works are operational.
“As of now in the state of Meghalaya whichever coke plant that was set up illegally has been shut down and only the ones who have got the paperwork (including) environmental clearance are being allowed to function. Therefore, there is no question of any illegal coke plants functioning,” Sangma told reporters at the sidelines of a government function.
He further assured “if there are any plants that try to come ‘illegally’ that will also be closed.”
Stressing on the need for creation of more awareness on balance between ecology and economy, he hoped that the future will bring more technological solutions to reduce the impact on nature.
“That is the challenge and balance that we keep working towards and that is why there are guidelines and principles based on which certain industries can be set up,” he said.
“Therefore to balance between these two is challenging but as we move along with the help of technologies we will be able to achieve it,” he said adding that “we also look at job creation and employment and ensure that the economy is sustained.”
