Stone quarrying, sand mining ban
SHILLONG, March 19: Taking note of the concerns over ban on sand mining and stone quarrying, KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyniaid Sing Syiem on Tuesday stressed on the need to strike a balance between protecting the environment and safeguarding the livelihood of the locals.
Many MDCs had earlier raised concern over the ban on stone quarrying and sand mining stating that it has impacted the livelihood of the rural populace negatively.
Many Himas and individuals have also raised the issue with the CEM.
Syiem said he will discuss the matter with the Executive Member in-charge of Forest for a meeting with various Himas to deliberate over a policy to identify the mining areas.
“We cannot allow mining to take place everywhere. We will have to identify the areas where mining can take place. We need to protect the environment for the future generation,” Syiem added.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition in KHADC, Titosstarwell Chyne had 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 severely affected since the implementation of the MMMCR, 2016. Chyne had said that 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 safeguard the livelihood of the people.
Echoing similar concerns, Congress MDC from Nongstoin, Gabriel Wahlang pointed out that the daily wagers, who depend on mining activities for their livelihood, have been affected the most.
He suggested the EC to write to the state government to allow mining of sand and stone quarrying on a small scale.