NONGPOH: Stone quarry and crusher owners operating in Ri Bhoi on Thursday decided to form an association to look after the welfare of people involved in stone mining and crusher related activities.
The decision was taken at a meeting of stone quarry and crusher owners here.
Ad hoc committee members of the Ri Bhoi Stone Quarry and Crusher Owners Association (RBSQ&COA) were also elected with Augustine Wahlang as President, Kitbok Khongiong as Vice President, FK Kharkamni as General Secretary, Promis Bandara Assistant as General Secretary and Bung Buhphang as Treasurer. Besides, 20 members of the Executive Committee were also elected.
Talking to media persons after the meeting, Augustine Wahlang said that the owners of stone quarries and crushers were concerned as the recent ban on stone mining by the government has affected thousands of families.
He also questioned why stone mining was banned only in Ri Bhoi district and said that the government should have provided an alternative before taking the step.
“Where will these thousands of families go, who will provide them food and other necessary basic needs?” Wahlang asked while adding that the ban was only applicable to local entrepreneurs in the small scale industries whereas those under the single window system were not affected which is discriminatory.
He also lamented the delay on the part of the Mining and Forest department under the Meghalaya Minor Minerals and Concession Rules 2016 in issuing licenses to stone quarry and crusher owners even 8-9 months after submission of application.
Meanwhile, Wahlang also informed that the leaders of the association will soon meet the Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, to discuss the issue.
