Shillong,Oct 16: A coke oven plant in Rajaju village along the Nongjri road corridor in Meghalaya’s South West Khasi Hills district was temporarily shut following a protest by local residents on Thursday, over alleged irregularities in its establishment and operation.
The protest was organised by the Seng Samla Hima Langrin, the youth body of Hima Langrin. The protesters raised concerns over the alleged absence of proper local consultation, environmental safeguards and clarity on the plant’s operating permissions.
The organisation alleged that the plant was established with permission from the Syiem of Hima Langrin without convening a local Dorbar Shnong or adequately consulting the affected community. It maintained that decisions concerning industrial activities on traditional land must involve local residents and respect customary institutions.
Residents also expressed concern over the potential impact of coke production on air quality, nearby freshwater springs and agricultural land. Coke oven operations can release air pollutants and coal dust, raising concerns about environmental and public health risks if adequate pollution-control measures are not in place.
According to the protesters, residents had approached the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and the district administration seeking clarification on the plant’s permissions but had not received a satisfactory response. They subsequently intervened to halt activities at the facility.
The Seng Samla Hima Langrin has demanded that the district administration seal the plant and keep it closed until a comprehensive environmental assessment is conducted. It has also called for verification of the unit’s statutory clearances and compliance with applicable regulations.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of coke oven plants in South West Khasi Hills, particularly following findings by the committee headed by Justice (Retd.) B.P. Katakey, appointed by the Meghalaya High Court to examine issues related to coal mining and transportation.
According to the findings cited in the report, the MSPCB had issued Consent to Establish (CTE) to 15 coke oven units in the region, while only 10 held Consent to Operate (CTO). Five units had not applied for CTO, which is required before a facility can operate where applicable.
A district administration inspection in June 2026 reportedly identified 10 active units, of which three were found to be non-operational due to the absence of CTOs.
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