East Jaintia Hills Cracks Down on Unauthorized Coke Plants

The East Jaintia Hills district administration demolished unauthorized coke plants as part of an operation led by officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and police, following Meghalaya High Court orders. Notices were issued to 11 coke plants, with eventual demolition upon non-compliance from their owners.

In a decisive move, the East Jaintia Hills district administration dismantled unauthorized coke plants on Sunday, acting upon directives from the Meghalaya High Court. The operation involved a joint team of officials from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and local police, led by Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi.

The crackdown targeted 16 coke plants identified as non-compliant with government regulations, five of which had been previously demolished. Notices were sent to 11 remaining plants in October 2025, demanding compliance documentation. However, the owners failed to respond, prompting the demolition action.

By December 13, seven unauthorized coke plants were demolished, while four others were already dismantled by their proprietors. These measures are critical to ensuring adherence to environmental and institutional norms, stated officials overseeing the operation.

(With inputs from agencies.)