Shillong: The Meghalaya government has released new guidelines for establishing coke oven plants with an installed production capacity of less than 25,000 MT per annum.
This move aims to regulate the industry and address environmental concerns.
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The guidelines, issued by the Meghalaya forest and environment department, mandate that standalone coke plants must be located at least 500 meters from a main Public Works Department (PWD) road, 1 km from the outskirts of villages and important public places such as hospitals, schools, and tourist spots, and 100 meters from major streams, rivers, or lakes.
Additionally, there should be a minimum distance of 1 km between two standalone coke plants.
The notification defines a cluster of coke plants as two or more units within a 1 km radius of each other.
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For such clusters, the guidelines stipulate that they must be situated at least 1 km from a main PWD road, 3 km from the outer limits of villages and key public places, and 200 meters from significant water bodies.
There must also be a minimum distance of 5 km between two clusters.
Furthermore, the guidelines require a buffer zone of 100 meters around standalone units and 300 meters around clusters.
A common approach road should be provided for units within a cluster.
The notification lays down the importance of adopting pollution prevention and control measures, adhering to emission standards prescribed under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986, and associated rules and notifications.
This directive follows recommendations from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and complies with an order from the Meghalaya high court.
The guidelines are issued under the authority of Section 54 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, Section 64 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Article 162 of the Constitution.
Notably, the Meghalaya government faced criticism for alleged inaction against illegal coke plants, particularly in West Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.