Tura, Jan 28: The Office of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Territorial Division, West & South-West Garo Hills, has launched a decisive enforcement drive against unauthorised brick earth mining and illegal stone quarrying activities in various parts of the district.
Following extensive field inspections, the Forest Department has issued ten (10) Show Cause Notices to identified brick kiln operators and nine (9) Show Cause Notices to operators of illegal stone quarries. The department is also in the process of identifying other individuals involved in such illegal activities so that further notices can be issued as per law.
During the inspection drive, officials of the Hollaidonga Range detected several illegal brick kilns and stone quarry sites operating in the areas of Gomaijhora, Nayagaon, Balujhora, Baitbari, Borobakra, Hatogaon, Borogobal and Motapara.
The inspections revealed that brick earth (clay) and stones were being extracted without valid Mining Leases or Quarry Permits, in violation of Rule 5 of the Meghalaya Minor Minerals Concession Rules (MMMCR), 2016. The operators also failed to produce approved Mining Plans from the Mining Department, valid Environmental Clearance (EC) from SEIAA Meghalaya, and mandatory Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the State Pollution Control Board. The unauthorised extraction of brick earth and stone boulders without payment of prescribed royalties has resulted in loss to the State exchequer.
The Divisional Forest Officer has directed the identified individuals to submit their replies to the Show Cause Notices within seven (7) days. Failure to provide satisfactory explanations will invite penal action under Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957, including realisation of fines equivalent to the full market value of the illegally extracted minerals along with unpaid royalties. Further action may also include closure of brick kiln operations and seizure of heavy machinery and equipment.
The District Level Task Force (DLTF), West Garo Hills, Tura, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, has taken serious note of the findings. All necessary steps are being initiated in coordination with concerned line departments to close down illegal brick earth mining, brick kiln units and stone quarries operating in violation of statutory provisions.
