Shillong: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has raised a red flag over the alarming levels of pollution in Lumshnong of East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya caused by the rampant operation of coke plants.

VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit warned that if immediate action is not taken, residents of Sutnga Elaka will be forced to relocate due to the unbearable pollution levels.

The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly's Committee on Environment sprang into action in September 2024, demanding a comprehensive list of all legal and illegal coke plants operating in Jaintia Hills.

The committee also conducted site inspections to assess the environmental impact of these plants.

In a crackdown on illegal coke plants, the district administration and police took decisive action in 2023, complying with the Meghalaya High Court's orders.

A total of 57 illegal coke plants were shut down, and their equipment was dismantled.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also directed 31 illegal coke plants in East Jaintia Hills to pay a fine of over Rs 4.75 crore as environmental compensation.

The issue has been ongoing, with villagers protesting against the pollution caused by these plants. The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board had granted licenses to five companies to set up coke oven plants, but the villagers alleged that these plants were operating without proper permissions.

The state government has been urged to take immediate action to address the pollution menace and ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Lumshnong.