Tura, Feb 10: Continuing their action against illegalities in the plain belt of West Garo Hills (WGH) a District Level Task Force (DLTF) today conducted a seizure and demolition operation around the Phulbari area.
As per a release by the DLTF, led by its member secretary and DFO, Rupankar Marak, the raids were conducted following investigations and reports from multiple sources regarding illegal activities. The operation focused on the Gomaijhora area, Phulbari and Batabara specifically targeting illegal brick earth mining and the unauthorized establishment of brick kilns.
The enforcement action was prompted because the kiln was found to be in direct violation of the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules (MMMCR), 2016, the unit was operating without a valid Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO) from the State Pollution Control Board. The operators continued their illegal activities despite previously being issued Show Cause Notices by the authorities.
In a recent meeting, the DLTFcomprising the District Administration, Police, Forest Department, Water Resources, State Pollution Control Board and two independent members authorized the demolition of illegal brick kilns as well as the seizure ofall illegally mined brick earth.
The task force utilized two JCBs and a dumper truck to transport the seized materials to the Range Office for safe custody.
Marak confirmed that regular checking for illegal brick earth mining, demolition of illegally established brick kilns and monitoring of the site will continue to prevent future violations. Citizens are encouraged to report all illegal brick earth mining and illegal brick kilns to the department.
