TURA, Nov 7: Combined organisations from Chokpot, South Garo Hills, including the GSU, AHAM, Chokpot Area Vigilance Committee (CAVC) GSMC, ACHIK and the FKJGP, have expressed stiff opposition to the proposed coal mining as well as the possibility of mining for uranium from Paromgre area near Chokpot.
Members of the said organisations on October 18 conducted an inspection of the proposed mining site where they found that mining activity was taking place in close proximity to ecologically sensitive areas.
“The mining area lies near several important rivers such as Rompa, Rongdik, Khakiza, and Rongma, all of which are vital lifelines for the people of Chokpot and the neighbouring villages. These rivers provide water for drinking, irrigation, and daily use for hundreds of families. Continuous mining in the region has already caused visible pollution, silting, and the drying up of small tributaries. If not stopped immediately, the natural flow and purity of these rivers will be permanently damaged, endangering both the ecosystem and the lives that depend on them,” the groups jointly stated.
The mining site is also situated close to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, one of Meghalaya’s most important and protected ecological zones with dense vegetation, old and large trees, and are home to a variety of endangered wildlife species like the Hoolock Gibbon, Himalayan Black Bear, and several rare bird species.
The groups pointed out that emerging eco-tourism destinations like Abong Chigat, Redingsni wari, Wari Chora and Tengte Rongrep all of which attract visitors from across Meghalaya and beyond, would be destroyed if the expansion of mining activities was allowed.
“We, the united NGOs of Chokpot, strongly oppose and condemn all forms of destructive mining in the region. We appeal to the Government of Meghalaya, the Forest Department, the Pollution Control Board, and all other concerned authorities to take immediate and strict action to stop the quarrying activities and revoke any illegal licenses that may have been issued. If the authorities fail to act promptly, we will be compelled to take further steps, including peaceful demonstrations, legal petitions, and public awareness campaigns, to safeguard our land, rivers, forests, and people,” they warned.
