By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 28: Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR) leader Angela Rangad has expressed serious concern over alleged illegal activities and violations of environmental laws in the Lumparing–Kynjat Phutbol–Madan Laban area, which she says are causing extensive destruction to the local forest ecosystem.
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, RM Kurbah, Rangad said it was “very disturbing” to witness the ongoing deforestation and unchecked soil dumping in the area over the past several months and years.
She alleged that these activities, which include large-scale tree felling and soil dumping, have intensified alongside the proposed ropeway project, which was reportedly undertaken without proper consultation with local residents.
“These forests are a lifeline not only to this and the adjacent localities, being catchment areas that supply water to many households,” Rangad stated.
She warned that indiscriminate dumping and deforestation pose severe landslide risks, water contamination, and destruction of natural habitats, thereby threatening both human and animal life in the area.
The TUR leader said she has attached photographic evidence of the ongoing destruction and urged the district administration to take immediate action against those responsible.
She also requested that public announcements and newspaper notifications be issued to caution residents and contractors against engaging in such illegal activities.
Rangad further reminded the authorities that the actions taking place are in violation of multiple environmental laws, including the Environmental Protection Act, the Air and Water Acts, as well as existing orders issued by the district administration.
