SHILLONG: Contractors of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the State have alleged that extracted stones in quarries were seized and auctioned by the district administration of Tura and Ampati as well as the Forest Department in Tura despite the ban on stone quarries and crusher units.
Pointing to the role played by the district administration of West and South West Garo Hills and the Forest Department, one of the contractors of PMGSY told The Shillong Times, “They seized the stones collected or extracted from the quarries which are then auctioned by them.”
“They were the ones who banned and they seized and auctioned the stones (collected at quarries and crusher units) claiming that it is an illegal source,” he added.
The contractors said this was akin to looting. “Construction work has totally shut down. It is an illegal act. It is not recorded anywhere that stones would be seized and auctioned,” they added.It is alleged that the extracted stones were seized by the authorities who would ultimately sell and auction the stones to others who did not work for it or even if a contractor buys the stone, he has to buy at an exorbitant rate.
Terming it as ‘overground robbery’, the contractor said, “We are facing difficulties in Garo Hills with regard to developmental works. Special provisions should be given to government construction works.”
“Last year, the officials in Garo Hills revoked the ban on stone extraction and directed us to secure an NOC from GHADC and DFO but till date, they have not issued the NOC and it has been one year. Without the NOC it is impossible to get clearance from the pollution control board,” the contractor said.
Stating that the ban on stone quarries in West and South West Garo Hills has created difficulties in the construction works in the region, the contractor said PMGSY projects are time-bound and the ban is delaying work.
Further, the contractor mentioned that vehicles transporting materials to a project site were seized. The deadline to complete the work is June.
“Several contractors are affected with the stone auction and it has also affected the development of the state,” the contractors said.
It is learnt that most of the auction takes place in South West Garo Hills.
“It is harassment by the district administration. The labourers who work in the stone quarry in Garo Hills are weak, poor and they are voiceless. It has affected their livelihood,” the contractor added.
Recently, the All Garo Hills PMGSY Contractors Union apprised Chief Minister Mukul Sangma of the situation and sought his immediate intervention with regard to the ban on stone quarries.
It further stated that though the Forest Department auctioned the seized materials, the amount auctioned does not even cover 10 percent of the total required materials.
