By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 8: In its 35th interim report, the one-man Justice (retd) B.P. Katakey Commission laid bare the status of coke oven plants, ferro-alloy units and privately operated coal depots in Meghalaya, revealing that many of them are functioning without valid operational clearances.
The report placed on record submissions made by the Member Secretary of Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) during a physical meeting held in Shillong on January 16, 2026.
In East Jaintia Hills district, 36 coke oven plants were granted Consent to Establish (CTE). Of these, 23 were granted Consent to Operate (CTO) while the 13 others either did not apply for CTO or their applications remain pending. Among the 23 units granted CTO, only 11 have valid CTOs as of date. The remaining 12 have either failed to apply for renewal or their renewal applications are pending consideration.
In West Khasi Hills district, 22 coke oven plants were granted CTE. However, only 5 secured CTOs, while the rest did not apply or their applications are pending. Of these 5 units, 2 currently possess valid CTOs. The 3 others have either not applied for renewal or their renewal applications are awaiting consideration.
In West Jaintia Hills district, 2 coke oven plants were granted both CTE and CTO, and both clearances remain valid. One of them is in operation with both CTE and CTO.
In South West Khasi Hills district, 13 coke oven plants were granted CTE. Of these, 7 have been granted CTOs which remain valid, while the remaining 6 have not applied for CTO so far.
As regards ferro alloy plants, the MSPCB report indicated that 12 units in the state were granted CTE. Out of these, 10 secured CTOs, while 2 did not apply for the same. Among the 10 units granted CTO, 8 have valid clearances as on date. The renewal application of 1 is pending, while another did not apply for renewal.
The report further noted that 24 coal depots set up by private individuals were granted CTE. Of these, 22 have been granted CTO, while 2 have not applied. The Member Secretary also reported that some coal depots granted CTO do not presently possess valid operational clearances, as their CTOs have expired.
Taking serious note of these findings, the Commission recommended that the MSPCB initiate appropriate action to ensure that no coal-based industries or depots operate without valid CTE and CTO. It stressed the need for regular field inspections to enforce compliance and prevent unauthorised operations.
The 35th interim report underscored persistent regulatory gaps in monitoring coal-based industries in the state, even as scrutiny over mining and allied activities continues.
