Kalain residents demand probe into illegal quarrying

Our Correspondent

Silchar, July 19: Residents of Kalain have alleged that stone materials are being illegally extracted from Kalain stone quarry through Kalain tea garden road and river ways. In this regard they have addressed a letter to the Environment and Forest Department Minister, government of Assam, through the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, on Wednesday. The inhabitants of the locality at a press-meet held at the premises of a hotel of this town on Wednesday afternoon briefed the media regarding the issue.

Dipak Kumar Kar said, “Since May 4, 2018 when Kalain mines and minerals Unit II was started, there has been illegal extraction of stone carried out in collaboration with range officer, Kalain unit holder and tea garden authorities. As a result of this, a large amount of government revenue has been lost. Per day government is incurring losses up to Rs.2 lakh to Rs.3 lakh. These illegal activities are incurring heavy and huge losses to the government.” Toffique Ahmed said that several times they have requested the range officer for proper collection of government revenue and also to set up a checking point at the entrance of Kalain stone quarry at Kalain tea garden area for thorough and proper verification of the challans.

“But the range officer did not keep our request. We are in the dark regarding the reason behind his denial. Check points are there at each and every quarry except at Kalain stone quarry. On May 31, 2018, we also lodged a complaint with Katigorah Circle Officer regarding this illegal stone operation without challan. The government is being deprived off from government revenue by Mohaldars. We demand a CID investigation. We have also approached Katigorah Circle Officer. Though, he took a step to probe into the matter till now we do not know about the findings and the reports of the enquiry made by him,” Toffique Ahmed added.