SHILLONG, FEB 3: The Justice BP Katakey committee has ordered the immediate release of funds for the demolition of 33 Coke Oven Plants in East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills districts.
The committee directed the District Administration of East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills to demolish the 16 Coke Oven Plants in East Jaintia Hills and 17 Coke Oven Plants in West Khasi Hills, citing the possibility of stealthy production.
“The Committee recommends immediate release of the required fund to the District Administration of East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills District for demolition of the aforementioned 16 Coke Oven Plants in East Jaintia Hills District and 17 Coke Oven Plants in West Khasi Hills District and also to demolish the said 33 Coke Oven Plants, immediately, on receiving the fund…. so as to rule out the possibility of the commencement of the production stealthily,” Justice Katakey said in his 34th interim report submitted before the Meghalaya High Court.
“The Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of the said districts shall ensure that the plants are not operating till demolition,” it stated.
The committee also directed the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills, to demolish the 16 Coke Oven Plants within a fortnight of receiving the fund and submit a report.
The DMR, Meghalaya, Shillong, has been asked to make available the required fund for demolition immediately.
The move is in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order dated November 25, 2024, in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 720/2023 [Druk Fuel Limited -Vs- The State of Meghalaya and Others].
According to the report, the estimated fund of Rs. 42,50,000 is required for demolition of 17 Coke Plants in West Khasi Hills.
