SHILLONG, July 10: The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department has intervened to stop the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) from collecting tolls on vehicles carrying livestock at Byrnihat, stating that such levies are not permitted.
The move follows a work order issued by the KHADC last month, which authorised the collection of tolls at 19th Mile, Byrnihat, for the 2026-27 financial year. The KHADC had allotted the work to Francis L. Nongbri.
The KHADC order had also prescribed specific rates for various categories—Rs 250 per elephant, Rs 50 for horses, cattle and buffaloes, Rs 15 for pigs and Rs 5 for piglets, goats and sheep.
It also sought to levy Rs 100 per metric tonne for fresh fish and Rs 200 for dry fish, while exempting livestock for the Defence Services and government farms.
The KHADC had further directed the installation of rate boards and mandated that collectors carry valid ID cards, while ensuring that the process did not obstruct traffic on the national highway.
However, shortly after the order was issued, the Veterinary department directed the District Council Affairs department to formally notify the KHADC and other autonomous district councils in the state that the collection of entry tolls on livestock vehicles is prohibited.
