By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 12: Two major mining lease holders from West Jaintia Hills approached Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, alleging irregularities in the issuance of limestone transport challans in the Nongtalang area and seeking an immediate inquiry into the matter.
In a complaint submitted to the Chief Minister recently, Amlari-based lease holder Shemphang Lakashiang and Nongtalang lease owner Deng Lamara claimed that major incidental transport challans were issued to an individual who allegedly does not hold any legally recognised mining lease in the district.
The complaint states that challans for 6,000 metric tonnes of limestone were allegedly granted to one Dainiel Khongsit under Amlarem sub-division for export to Bangladesh through the Dawki land port.
“Issuing transport permits to a person without any valid quarry or mining lease is a clear violation of established rules and procedures,” Lakashiang said.
The matter came at a time when local exporters faced an acute shortage of challans between late January and early March this year. During this period, authorised miners in Nongtalang were reportedly unable to obtain permits, forcing a temporary arrangement where challans from East Jaintia Hills were used to keep the trade running.
“This was only a temporary measure to support the livelihood of people dependent on the export trade. It was discontinued once local miners began receiving their due challans,” Lamara said.
However, the miners alleged that despite the resumption of local allocations, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) was issued in favour of Khongsit, even though he does not possess any mining lease in West Jaintia Hills.
They further claimed that challan No. 00523, originally issued as a coal transport challan, appears to have been converted to a limestone challan, raising serious questions about procedural lapses and possible administrative misconduct.
“Such actions not only undermine the legal framework but also create an uneven playing field for genuine miners who have invested in compliance and infrastructure,” Lakashiang said.
The complainants argued that granting permits without verifying the source of extraction violates mining regulations and environmental norms, and adversely affects the interests of legitimate quarry owners and local communities.
They warned that if such practices continue, it could lead to loss of government revenue, disrupt the organised mining sector, and negatively impact the livelihoods of people dependent on the limestone trade in the region.
Lamara added, “This kind of preferential treatment raises concerns about transparency and fairness, especially when local and legally recognised miners are available.”
The two lease holders urged the government to initiate a probe into the issuance of the NOC and the alleged conversion of the coal challan. Further, they called for immediate cancellation of any improperly issued permits and strict enforcement of existing regulations.
The complaint further stresses the need to prioritise genuine quarry owners in the allocation of challans and safeguard the economic interests of local stakeholders.
The miners were hopeful that the government would take prompt action to address the issue, and ensure transparency and accountability in the state’s mining sector.
