Dept preparing offence report against quarry on top of Wahniangleng reservoir
Shillong, Feb 7: The Forest department has served a closure notice on the illegal stone quarry on top of Wahniangleng reservoir in Laitkynsew under Elaka Laitkroh.
“We are drawing up an offence report and will send it to the court,” Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of East Khasi Hills & Ri-Bhoi (T) Division, Arul G. Mathuram told The Shillong Times on Wednesday.
Mathuram said the department will lodge a complaint against the landowner after recording his statement.
“If the landowner in his statement says that others are involved in the stone quarrying, we will act against them as well,” Mathuram said.
He also informed that they have alerted the Rangbah Shnong of Laitkynsew village to inform the department of any other illegal mining activity in the area.
Making it clear that no one can export boulders to Bangladesh without obtaining the necessary permit, the DFO said the department will examine if the owner was involved in transportation of boulders.
He also informed that the department has initiated action against around 120 illegal quarries in Ri-Bhoi and the matter is pending in the court.
According to him, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) is responsible for looking after any violation of air and water since the board grants the consent to operate certificate.