Shillong: The Dorbar Shnong of Wapungskur in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, has strongly opposed the establishment of a coke plant in the area, citing concerns over environmental degradation and jurisdictional violations.
The opposition follows the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board’s (MSPCB) decision to grant Consent to Establish (CoE) to Om Om Coke on March 7 for setting up a LAM Coke Manufacturing Unit with a single chimney at Thlakuru, Mookhep village.
The project, valued at Rs. 4.50 crore, has been approved with CoE validity until February 28, 2026, unless revoked or suspended.
The validity may be extended until the unit is ready for commercial operations.
Led by headman Postling Dkhar, the Wapungskur Dorbar Shnong inspected the land allocated for the project and discovered that it falls within their jurisdiction, despite the CoE being granted based on a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the neighbouring Mookhep Dorbar.
Expressing his discontent, Dkhar stated, “I am shocked by this unacceptable action of the Mookhep village headman. Despite clear demarcations, he proceeded to issue an NOC for a coke plant on our land.”
He further asserted that this act amounted to encroachment into Wapungskur’s territory and was completely unacceptable.
“The proposed site is forest land under the care of our Dorbar Shnong and is located far from Mookhep village,” he emphasised.
Dkhar also pointed out that Wapungskur Dorbar Shnong has consistently rejected requests to set up coke plants within its jurisdiction in the past, prioritising the well-being of its residents and environmental conservation.
ALSO READ: Aadhaar face authentication records over 130.5 crore transactions, 39.5 crore in Q1 FY25
“Coke plants contribute to severe air pollution and ecological damage. In the interest of our people, we have always declined such proposals,” he added.
Reaffirming their stance, the Dorbar Shnong has decided to maintain a continuous presence at the site to prevent any unauthorised construction.
“We will ensure that no coke plant is established on our land,” Dkhar declared, urging authorities to relocate the project elsewhere.
