As of the beginning of this month, the West Khasi Hills district administration, in collaboration with local police, has demolished 17 illegal coke plants. This action is part of a broader initiative launched over two years ago by the Meghalaya government to combat the proliferation of illegal coke factories, particularly in Shallang and its surroundings. The demolished plants include 11 in Kyllon Mathei, three in Swangre, two in Pyndengjalong, and one in Nonghynrum. Currently, only four legal coke plants remain operational in the area, with an additional four temporarily shut down due to the absence of necessary documentation.
Delays in demolition were attributed to a lack of state funding. A significant ruling from the Supreme Court on November 25, 2024, prompted these demolitions. Earlier, in July 2023, controlled blasting led to the demolition of 39 out of 57 identified illegal plants, but their owners secured a stay from the Supreme Court, allowing time to present valid documentation. All identified illegal plants lacked proper no-objection certificates from local landowners, and their rapid establishment occurred despite a ban on rat-hole mining in the region, which had been in effect for only four years.