TURA, April 8: The Forest department in Tura on Friday organised a one-day awareness programme for the Nokmas of A’kinglands in West and South West Garo Hills and sensitised them on various issues and Forest Acts, keeping in mind the presence of crushers and quarries in both these districts.
Range Forest Officer, Tura Territorial Range Quartus Chongkim B Sangma, in his address, said that the sensitisation of Nokmas of the region was necessary with regard to the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957 and in view of the various notifications issued by the government recently about the Amendment of Meghalaya Minor Minerals Concession Rules, 2016.
Mentioning the amendment in rule 4, he said, “No mining lease and quarry permit shall be granted with respect to any of the lands mentioned such as within a distance of two hundred (200) metres from the edge of the National Highways and any roads to be notified by the government, within a distance of one hundred (100) metres from any village, water source, bridges, dams, reservoirs and from the edge of the state highways and any other roads when blasting is not involved and within a distance of two hundred (200) metres from any village, water source, bridges, dams, reservoirs and from the edge of the state highways and other roads when blasting is involved.”
Sangma urged all the Nokmas to follow these rules while operating quarries in their A’king land and also reminded them to use their land judiciously while operating quarries or crushers by obtaining a proper license.
Meanwhile, Circle Inspector, Tura Police Station Bitching Marak advised the Nokmas to carry out their business legally and scientifically so that they can earn better profits as well as protect the environment, thereby saving the eco-system for future generations.