From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Oct 5: Around five families in Nongspung B village of Ri-Bhoi district are facing severe hardships after their homes and crops were damaged due to landslides and soil erosion caused by the massive earth cutting activities of an individual named Donalad Srinate, who has been operating in the area.
The five affected households include the homes of Premika Sungoh, Lijanta Sungoh, Kerning Sungoh, Manar Suting, and Wompher Dkhar. The Headman of Nongspung B village, Phelimon Tongper, along with Riton Sumer, while speaking to the media, mentioned that complaints about the illegal land excavation had already been filed at the Pilangkata Outpost in the past. This issue is not new, as similar incidents occurred during the rainy season. However, no action has been taken so far to address the problem.
The victims have reportedly approached the landowner responsible for the excavation, who promised to clear the soil that has flowed into their homes and the village area. Yet, he has failed to compensate for the damage to their houses and crops.
Some of the affected families have been forced to temporarily relocate, as their homes are filled with mud and debris, making them uninhabitable. In this connection, the village authorities are now planning to take stricter measures to combat this illegal land excavation. They have also urged the government, especially the Forest department, to intervene and take immediate action against this harmful activity, which continues to cause distress to the local residents.
