Mining and Quarrying Banned under Section 144 CrPC in East Khasi Hills

Staff Correspondent

Shillong: The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills district, has promulgated an order under Section 144 CrPC, prohibiting mining and quarrying and removal of sand from river beds by any person, company or authority without obtaining mining license, quarry permit and other clearance certificates from the competent authorities.

The order was necessitated in order to prevent danger to human life, health and safety and to safeguard the environment and in view of the reports received that illegal quarrying and mining especially on hill slopes and removal of sand from river-beds are taking place in various parts of East Khasi Hills district.

The indiscriminate quarrying and mining activities have led to the constant outflow of stones, sand and other minerals into the rivers which ultimately lead to the destruction of vegetation of the slopes, adjoining roads and National Highways and damages the water sources and destroys the aquatic life. It may also be mentioned that most of the rivers have been polluted due to stone and sand mining and as such the water are no longer potable and fit for drinking purposes. This order shall come into force with immediate effect.

Also Read: ‘Supreme Court Verdict on Coal Mining a Big Win for Tribal Rights’: CM Conrad K Sangma

Also Watch: 68 packets of suspected ‘Lali Gur’ worth Rs 1 Lakh seized in Naharkatia