Operations resume on illegal quarry; officials take action

SHILLONG, July 14: In February this year The Shillong Times did a story on an illegal stone quarry above Wahniangleng reservoir which feeds the Mawphlang dam which in turn supplies water to Greater Shillong homes.
Following this news report the Dorbar Shnong of Laitkynsew revealed that the quarry was initiated by the former Sordar of the Elaka Laitkroh, without any approval from the KHADC or any other government agency. The state government and KHADC had both taken action resulting in closure of the quarry which was supplying boulders to Bangladesh.
Recently the residents of Wahniangleng area again brought to the notice of The Shillong Times that the quarry had started operations once again and the sound of dynamite blowing up the hills has been reverberating across the expanse of the area.
The villagers fear that the quarry at Laitkroh which is supposed to be the catchment area that feeds Wahniangleng could result in the drying up of the river and therefore cause acute water scarcity downstream.
Some concerned citizens who visited Wahniangleng on Sunday morning and who were informed about the closure of the quarry at Laitkroh asked the villagers if all was well there now.
The village elders were downcast as the Laitkroh quarry they said had started operating again despite the ban. The villagers asked how the quarry owners could violate government orders so blatantly.
The concerned visitors brought this matter to the notice of Chief Secretary DP Wahlang about this peculiar situation. Wahlang responded with alacrity and sent a team from the Forest Department to check on the quarry.
The officers also quickly responded and immediately went to the quarry to verify the ground situation. They met with the headman of Laitkroh about this violation.
The officers stated, “We have already drawn an offence report in the same area so we will check the records and accordingly will seize the materials.”
Meanwhile, KHADC CEM, Pyniaid Sing Syiem who was also informed of the matter said the Council will take necessary action on Monday.