NONGSTOIN: The Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills, T Lyngwa has promulgated section 144 CrPC to prohibit burning of trees for making charcoal in the district.
In the order, Lyngwa stated that the practice of extracting charcoal by burning of trees has adversely affected the environment and such practice will harm the health of citizens. The district magistrate had stated that the order will be effective starting Friday. “In view of the urgency of the matter, this order is passed ex-parte, however, anyone aggrieved by this order may approach the competent authority,” he said.
Burning and transportation of charcoal in West Khasi Hills has becoming a subject of concern for the people of the region. It is in the ambit of the District Administration to put an end to this phenomenon.
People, especially those who are concerned over the climate change, have lost interest in the performance of the Forest Department (Territorial Division) failing to curb the burning and transportation of charcoal in the district.
West Khasi Hills is the only district in the whole state where Charcoal mafia produces and transports more than 6000 tons of charcoal in a year.
Scribes have also identified the areas where tons of charcoal were produced which include Maroit-Nongkhlaw area in Mairang, Mawlangsu, Umsaw, Umlieh, Mawsyrpat, Mawsaw, Seinduli, Mawshynrut area and Rambrai area which is the leading producer of illegal charcoal. The charcoal from the district is being transport to several industries in Byrnihat and Assam.
After several complaints from concerned citizens, it is evident that some persons are rampantly burning the trees for extracting charcoal.
