TURA, July 29: An ancient civilisation site in the plains of West Garo Hills, long designated a heritage site for ancient artefacts, is facing immense threat from illegal miners who have taken to mining minerals and opened quarries, allegedly in cahoots with the Nokma of Wadagokgre.
Extraction of boulder stones and even sand have reportedly been taking place in and around the archaeological site at Wadagokgre for several weeks and local organisations from the area have been raising dissent against the destruction of the environment in the region.
To make matters worse, the archaeological site is besieged by several hundred illegal settlers from the plains who continue to stake claim on the area and perpetrate theft and other nefarious activities. This week, locals from Wadagokgre raised a complaint with forest officials, demanding answers as to how sand and stone quarrying is being allowed in this vulnerable site.
The villagers have complained that the Nokma has given the green light to a quarry operator to extract the minerals from the area in return for monetary returns. “We have always faced the problem of illegal trespass and land grabbing by outsiders. Now we have to fight to protect our soil and its minerals which are being taken away,” the villagers said.
They alleged that the Nokma is being paid Rs 150 for one consignment of sand lifted from the area and heavy machinery, from trucks to excavators, have reportedly been brought in by the mining firm to extract the minerals.
While the village headman claims to follow all required norms, including a clearance from the Forest department, the inhabitants of the area are seeking answers as to how such environmental degradation is being allowed, especially in an area that has, for decades, been identified and marked as a fragile archaeological site with historical significance.
In the meantime, the Forest department has been apprised of the problems while the locals are clamouring for an immediate clampdown on the mining at Wadagokgre.
It may be mentioned that trespassing and encroachment has been a major issue in Wadagokgre for over three decades. The area’s close proximity to the densely populated plain belt region of New Bhaitbari and Phulbari has further complicated the situation as illegal settlers have time and again clashed with the locals from the area.
