HANM threatens to move court, NGT over illegal stone quarrying

SHILLONG, Aug 18: The Hynniewtrep A’chik National Movement (HANM) has threatened to move the High Court of Meghalaya and also lodge a complaint with the National Green Tribunal against Dhar Construction Company for allegedly carrying out illegal stone quarrying on the bank of the Umiam river.
“We will not hesitate to take drastic measures against the MD of the company for failing to clarify on whether they have obtained permission for stone quarrying on the bank of the Umiam river,” HANM in-charge of Ri-Bhoi district, Bawan Nongsiang said on Friday.
He said residents of villages from Umeit to Sonidan will join hands with the HANM to move the High Court and the NGT.
He alleged that the company was conducting illegal quarrying to construct a road at Mawhati.
He claimed that the illegal quarrying work was not only causing problems for the villagers living along the river but also potentially destroying the ecological balance and harming the environment.