MSPCB orders halt on construction work of coke plant in EJH

SHILLONG, April 14: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has ordered M/s OM Coke to immediately halt all construction activities related to its proposed LAM Coke Manufacturing Unit at Thlukuru, Mookhep village in East Jaintia Hills district.
In a letter issued to the firm on Monday, MSPCB Member Secretary GH Chyrmang cited a formal communication from the Dolloi of Jowai Elaka revoking the earlier No Objection Certificate (NOC) granted for the project.
The Dorbar Shnong of Wapungskur had also demanded that the Board cancel the Consent to Establish (CTE) and any related permits issued for the project.
A delegation from Wapungskur, led by the Waheh Shnong, met the MSPCB Member Secretary at his office on Monday to discuss the issue.
On April 10, Dolloi Puramon Kynjing officially withdrew the NOC previously issued for the project. This followed a request from Denish Siangshai, headman of Mookhep village, on April 4.
Clarifying the jurisdiction, Dkhar stated there is no boundary dispute between Mookhep and Wapungskur, and that the proposed plant site falls under Wapungskur’s territory.
He added that the Dorbar Shnong had raised the matter with the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills, who in turn directed all departments to halt proceedings until the issue is resolved.
Reaffirming the village’s opposition, Dkhar also noted that the Chief Forest Officer (CFO) of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) has agreed to cancel any NOC or clearance issued earlier, citing OM Coke’s failure to submit mandatory documents.
The Rs 4.5-crore project had received approval valid until February 28, 2026, subject to revocation or suspension.