Construction firm owned by legislator blatantly destroying ecosystems: CoRP

NONGPOH: The Confederation of Ri Bhoi People (CoRP) Eastern Zone has taken strong exception to illegal mining activities of Dhar Constructions, owned by Umroi legislator Ngaitlang Dhar, which they claimed was destroying the environment.
CoRP alleged that Dhar Constructions was engaged in mining of boulders along the Umiam River at Nonglum village in Ri Bhoi District and called for immediate closure of all mining activities along the river side to prevent any further destruction of the environment.
Following complaints from local residents about random mining activities along the Umiam River, CoRP conducted a spot inspection of the site led by Samborlang Pdahkasiej and Kiew War, its eastern zone president and vice president, respectively and accompanied by CoRP working president Bandari Ryntathiang and general secretary David Kharnaior along with others.
During the inspection they found that random mining of boulders and collection of sand was underway on the river which was posing potential danger to the ecosystems.
It was alleged that mining along the river side was being carried out with the help of cranes, earth diggers and earth movers.
Surprisingly, during the inspection the CoRP members could not find any machine or mining equipment at the site.
CoRP has decided to pursue the issue and find out whether proper permission was sought for the mining activities and also whether any revenue generated from the quarry was going to the coffers of the Hima or the District Council.