SHILLONG: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) central body has voiced concern regarding illegal and unscientific limestone mining which they alleged is happening at an alarming rate.
In a statement issued here, the JSU said that the government is either in denial or is simply turning a blind eye to the activities.
“We had recently raised the issue of the illegal and unscientific mining that prevails in Nongtalang area (West Jaintia Hills), and thankful to the Divisional Forest Officer (T) for his action as per his findings during his last site inspection,” it said adding, however, that it is saddened to see that unscientific and illegal mining still flourishes openly in the area.
It went on to add that the miners carry on with their activities as challans (both lease challan and incidental challan) are still available to them from Lumshnong area in East Jaintia Hills.
The organisation alleged that seized limestone from illegal mine owners as per the last inspections are also auctioned to the same group along with challans that enable them to transport the mineral.
The JSU wondered as to what was going on between the office of the Divisional Forest Officer (T) and the illegal miners. “If it is true, then everyone will be encouraged to carry on illegal mining,” it said.
The organisation urged the state government to put a stop to unscientific and illegal mining and to encourage legal mining in order to ensure sustainable growth and preservation of the environment.
It said the state government needs to take action against forest department officials who are abetting illegal mining.
The JSU has also filed an RTI with the West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner on the activities of the District Mineral Fund Trust especially to ascertain how many developmental projects have been implemented from the revenue collected. According to the organisation, the state government needs to utilise the potential of mineral resources that are available and put a stop to illegal activities.
It also also sought the support of the High Court of Meghalaya to look into the issue, in addition to the Public Interest Litigation that was filed on May 31, 2019 by Deputy Registrar Anindita Y Sarki.
