‘Tree-felling, earth excavation affect Singwil stream’
SHILLONG: Local groups have submitted a written complaint to West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner against the ongoing illegal construction of a dam over the Singwil stream at Selsella Agipeng.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Aking Land Nokma of Agipeng, Selsella, leaders of Mothers’ Union and GSMC stated that they have written to the Deputy Commissioner about the ongoing illegal construction of the dam without any permission from the Nokma concerned.
The groups have accused a person identified as Pojol Ali of illegally executing the construction. They also said that Ali, who is the construction manager, allegedly attempted to molest the president of Selsella Mothers’ Union several times by illegally trespassing into her house at night and even in the market place in December last.
“Ali is absconding. Under the threat of dire consequences, the victim did not lodge any complaint earlier. However, after a series of consultations she has decided to file an FIR,” the statement said.
The complainants said that a huge amount of earth has been excavated and a number of trees have also been uprooted, Singwil stream had adversely been affected with siltation to paddy fields all along the stream which had scaled down the productivity of crops in and around the construction site.
“It is also worth mentioning that the construction manager had failed to inform the Nokma about the number and names of labourers engaged in the work and no documents were submitted,” the statement said.
The local bodies have urged the Deputy Commissioner to initiate action.
