SHILLONG, March 17: KHADC MDCs have collectively expressed concern over the ban on stone quarrying and sand mining which hurt the livelihood of the poor people and hindered the supply of construction materials, affecting the implementation of MGNREGS in several villages.
Leader of Opposition in KHADC, Titosstarwell Chyne on Sunday said the implementation of the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules (MMMCR), 2016 for regulating the grant of mining leases and quarry permits in respect of minor minerals has shattered the livelihood of the rural populace.
According to him, people in areas like Sohra, Swer, Laitkroh, and Nongkrem have been several affected since the implementation of the MMMCR, 2016.
He said they acknowledge the need for regulations to protect the environment but it should not come at the cost of denying people their livelihood.
He asked the KHADC Executive Committee (EC) to write to the state government to amend the MMMCR, 2016 by insert a clause that would allow traditional mining of sand and stone quarrying.
Asserting that forest, land and mineral resources are under the jurisdiction of the KHADC, Chyne lamented that the council has been unable to protect the livelihood of the people.
Echoing similar concerns, Congress MDC from Nongstoin, Gabriel Wahlang those who have been affected are the daily workers who depend on mining activities for their livelihood.
He also suggested the EC to write to the state government to allow mining of sand and stone quarrying on a small scale.
Congress MDC from Mylliem, Ronnie V. Lyngdoh also suggested that the council should write to the state government to amend the MMMCR, 2016, to give respite to the people who are dependent on stone quarrying and sand mining for their livelihood.
