Shillong, July 18: As many as 13 chimneys of illegal coke plants in West Khasi Hills were dismantled till July 15. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dykes said the demolition of chimneys and other physical infrastructure of the illegal coke plants started from July 8. The government had approved the demolition of 57 illegal coke plants constructed without valid Consent To Establish (CTE). The joint team comprising executive magistrate and police conducted raids on December 16 and 17, 2022 and shut down 57 illegal coke plants. The bee-hive ovens and pipes connecting the ovens and chimneys of 57 illegal coke plants were dismantled between February 2023 to April 2023 to ensure that they do not become operational again.

Source: Daily Nation July 18, 2023 16:49 UTC