Shillong: The Dorbar Shnong of Wapungskur village, East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, has lodged a formal complaint against the unauthorised establishment of a coke plant within its jurisdiction, warning that villagers will take stern action if immediate measures are not taken to halt the project.
The village authorities have strongly objected to the construction, stating that no consent was ever granted for such an industrial project.
On April 2, the Dorbar Shnong discovered earth-cutting activities at Thlukure Wah Tongtlang, an area within its jurisdiction.
Upon inspection, it was found that the Om Om Coke company had begun setting up a Lam Coke Manufacturing Unit, despite the absence of any formal approval from the village authorities.
The site is also adjacent to the reserved forests of the Dorbar Shnong, raising concerns over environmental impact and ecological degradation.
Further inquiries revealed that the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) had granted the Consent to Establish (CTE) license to Om Om Coke on March 7, 2025.
However, the license erroneously cites the location as Mookhep village, when in reality, the proposed site falls within Wapungskur village.
The Dorbar Shnong has strongly condemned the issuance of the license without conducting a proper site assessment, public hearing, or environmental impact study.
The village authorities have also expressed outrage at the individuals involved in the alleged illegal activities.
In response, the Dorbar Shnong has demanded the immediate revocation of the CTE license and any related permits for the coke plant.
They have warned that failure to act will result in stern measures being taken against the responsible authorities.
The complaint has been formally submitted to the relevant government officials, including the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills District, and the Chief Executive Member of IHADC, Jowai.
