Biplab Kr Dey
Tura, Jan 12: In a concerted effort, the West Garo Hills (WGH) state forest department has launched a major crackdown against the setting up of illegal stone quarries and brick kilns that have become a major point of focus following the assault and murder of a member of ACHIK two days ago.
The current crackdown began on Jan 8, a day prior to the unfortunate incident that took place in the village of Goalgaon under Rajabala PS.
The crackdown is being led by the state forest department in collaboration with the district administration and police department, targeting all the illegal quarries operating in violation of the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules (MMCR) – 2016.
“The dept has been actively conducting raids since Jan 8 with our staff today working on the field, sealing operations at Pipulbari, Tangaon and Rajabala. These areas have been reported for unauthorized extractions of minor minerals. Despite the challenge of limited manpower, we have maintained a consistent and vigilant stance,” informed DFO – Territorial, Rupankar Marak.
The ongoing crackdown has resulted in the seizure of machinery and equipment used in illegal extraction with legal proceedings to be initiated against offenders under relevant sections of MMMCR upon identification and verification and the seizure of vehicles being used in the illegal activity.
Urging residents for support in ensuring such illegal quarries and kilns remained closed, DFO Marak has asked that minor minerals be sourced by everyone for their construction requirements only from legal quarries and crushers and not from illegal operators.
“This encourages them to continue operating illegally and pushes us to a great extent. We request everyone to ensure they only buy these minerals only from legal places as it not only stops illegality but also provides revenue for the state and GHADC,” added Rupankar.
