The opposition Congress has demanded the Meghalaya government to dismantle all illegal coke factories operating in the state.
“I demand that these illegal coke factories should be dismantled. A message should be sent to the people that anything set up illegally will not be allowed,” Congress MLA from Umroi, George B Lyngdoh said while raising concerns over the issue during the question hour in the Assembly on Monday.
He said disparity in taking action is creating a lot of confusion in the minds of the people while expressing concern over delay to act against the illegal coke factories.
In his reply, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma assured that definitely action will be taken by the government as per law.
“(However), as of now the trial is going on in the district court and till the district court gives necessary judgment, these coke factories will be closed down,” he said.
According to him, a total of 17 illegal coke factories, which are without valid documents, had so far been closed down in August last year
Congress MLA from Mawsynram, Himalaya Shangpliang however alleged that till date confirmed reports revealed that these illegal coke factories are still functioning particularly at night.
On this, the Chief Minister informed that after a joint inspection was taken up on January 15 this year the deputy commissioner, West Khasi Hills district and the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) have confirmed that all illegal coke factories are closed down.
Regarding the source of coal used in these coke factories, Sangma said that a single window agency (SWA) has clearly stated that the coal should be from a legal source.
He also assured to examine the suggestion given by East Shillong MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh for tracing the source of coal used by these coke factories in the state.
NNN
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