From Our Correspondent
TURA, Oct 20: The Centre for Environment Protection and Rural Development (CEPRD) has issued its strongest condemnation and opposition to the so-called “scientific mining” operations being carried out in the Paromgre area under Chokpot in South Garo Hills.
Alleging that these activities are not scientific but environmentally destructive, legally unsound, and morally unacceptable, the organisation, in a statement, said, “CEPRD vehemently questions the Government of Meghalaya for permitting or endorsing mining operations in a region clearly recognised as ecologically sensitive. The Paromgre area forms part of an intricate ecosystem sustained by vital rivers such as Rompa, Rongdik, Khakiza and Rongma, which serve as lifelines to the people of Chokpot and neighbouring villages. These rivers are already witnessing contamination, siltation, and depletion of tributaries due to reckless excavation. Allowing further mining is not only a failure of governance but also a deliberate violation of environmental duty.”
“The so-called ‘scientific mining’ has been allowed in close proximity to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, a globally recognised ecological heritage site under UNESCO. The forests of this region are home to endangered wildlife species, including the Hoolock Gibbon, Himalayan Black Bear, and numerous rare flora and fauna that are legally protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Any interference with their habitat without due environmental clearance constitutes an offence under Indian law. The ongoing mining activity also defies the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, which prohibits diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes without prior approval from the Central Government,” it added.
According to the organisation, the mining operation also stands in clear violation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, which mandate that all mining projects in ecologically fragile zones must undergo comprehensive environmental impact assessments, public hearings and obtain prior environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
It also raised the issue of possible uranium mining.
“We are deeply disturbed by emerging reports and statements by public representatives indicating the possibility of illegal uranium exploration being conducted under the guise of coal mining. If such activities are taking place, they not only endanger the environment but also pose grave radiological and health risks to local communities. Such acts, if confirmed, would constitute serious violations of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the precautionary principle of environmental law, warranting immediate investigation and criminal prosecution,” it warned.
While urging the state government, Forest and Environment department, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to immediately halt all ongoing mining and quarrying operations in Paromgre, the CEPRD also called for a judicially monitored investigation into the legality and environmental impact of these activities.
It demanded that the government publish all permits, clearances and agreements related to the mining operations in compliance with the Right to Information Act, 2005, and allow independent scientific and legal experts to assess the extent of damage already caused.
“If the State fails to act, CEPRD will pursue Public Interest Litigation before the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), invoking precedents such as Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action vs. Union of India (1996) and M.C. Mehta vs. Kamal Nath (1997), where the Apex Court reaffirmed that the environment is a public trust and that no individual or authority has the right to misuse it for private gain. The CEPRD will also mobilise civil society, indigenous institutions, and citizens in peaceful democratic resistance to defend the environment, heritage and future of South Garo Hills,” it warned.
