Illegal limestone mining in West Jaintia Hills

SHILLONG: Alleged illegal mining of limestone is taking place in Nongtalang area in West Jaintia Hills.
Sources said on Sunday that while the government cleared a few mining plans to miners with full environment clearance for limestone extraction under the Minor Minerals Rule, there are others who carry out illegal mining in the area. The mining plans were approved by the government as per the order of the High Court.
With the spurt in illegal mining, the long queue of trucks with lime stones is visible on the NH-40 (E) Jowai-Amlarem-Dawki road causing inconvenience to the people.
According to the sources, the miners, who obtained the mining plan spending lakhs of rupees, are at a loss since illegal mining is thriving. Escalator machines are being brought daily to Nongtalang to carry out illegal mining, the sources added. When contacted, an official said the matter will have to be inquired.