Shillong(Meghalaya), Mar 20: The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills has promulgated an order under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting illegal quarrying in all areas within East Khasi Hills District where such unabated activities are taking place by any individual or party who has not obtained Quarry Permit and Other Clearance Certificates from the Competent Authority(s).
The order is necessitated in view of the notice received from the Divisional Forest Officer, East Khasi Hills & Ri Bhoi (T) Division, Shillong that illegal stone quarrying and sand mining are taking place at Umtyngar, Swer areas and all along the way to Sohra .
The order of the National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi restrains any person, company or authority to carry out any mining and quarrying activity anywhere in the country without obtaining valid Quarry Permit and other Clearance Certificates prescribed by EIA Notification 2006 of MOEFF & CC, Government of India and as per rules prescribed by Government of Meghalaya.
The order states that such indiscriminate quarrying along Umtyngar, Swer areas and along the way to Sohra may lead to landslips along the slopes and will further loosen the soil, thereby posing a risk of further collapse, thus endangering commuters. Further, it is also learnt that such indiscriminate illegal quarrying is also taking place in other areas of the district including along the National Highway/State roads/other areas and these activities are in flagrant violation of the provision of the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules 2015 .
Anyone found in violation of the order is liable for prosecution under Section 188 CrPC. This order will come into force with immediate effect and remain in force till further orders.
