From Our Correspondent
Tura, Jan 29: The West Garo Hills district administration has issued an order prohibiting the digging of soil and any form of damage, alteration, or misuse of protected structures along the 15km stretch of the Wadagokgre archaeological site.
The order, passed on January 27, aims to protect the historical site from decades of illegal encroachment and environmental degradation. The situation at the site has become critical, with illegal settlers reportedly occupying land protected under both the Assam Ancient Monuments and Records Act and the 6th Schedule of the Constitution.
“The 15km stretch of the historical Wadagokgre (Bhaitbari) archaeological site and ancient fortified area is a protected site. The Act prohibits the destruction, removal, alteration, or misuse of protected monuments, including a four-meter buffer zone required for preservation,” stated Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Agarwal.
The administration noted that the site—spanning Rajpur, Wadagokgre, Gandhipara, Balujhora, Nayagaon, Belbari, and Tinmuni—has faced significant encroachment. Settlers have caused willful damage to ancient stupas and fortification walls by using heavy machinery to extract soil, leading to irreversible structural weakening.
The 15km stretch has frequently been in the news for violations and illegal stone quarrying. Recently, a member of the ACHIK group was killed following a confrontation with miscreants over illegal quarrying in the area. Local residents have also raised concerns over illegal sand and gravel mining, which has leveled small hills within the Aking land.
“The digging of soil by contractors or settlers and resistance from local residents is creating a potential law and order situation,” the DC’s order observed.
Invoking powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the DC has prohibited all soil digging and harmful activities within the vicinity of the monuments. Furthermore, the order declared all settlements in the area that violate the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act 1971 and District Council rules as invalid.
The ex-parte order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice.
