Unauthorized removal of sand from rivers beds prohibited in East Khasi Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 9, 2022

District Magistrate East Khasi Hills Isawanda Laloo IAS imposed Section 144 CrPC prohibiting illegal mining and quarrying in the hill slopes and removal of sand from river beds by any person, company or authority without obtaining Mining Licence/Quarry Permit and other Clearance Certificates from the Competent Authority/(s).

The order was issued due to illegal quarrying and mining on hill slopes and removal of sand from river-beds are taking place in various parts of East Khasi Hills District.

The National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi also order restraining any person, company, authority to carry out any mining and quarrying activity or removal of sand from river beds anywhere in the country without obtaining valid Mining Licence/Quarry Permit and other Clearance Certificates prescribed by EIA Notification 2006 of MoEF&CC, Government of India.

Laloo viewed that such indiscriminate quarrying and mining activities has led to the constant out-flow of stone, sand and other minerals into the rivers and down from the hill slopes. This ultimately lead to destruction of vegetation on the slopes, damages the water sources and destroys aquatic life.

Many rivers have become polluted due to stone and sand mining and as such, the water is no longer potable and is unfit for drinking purposes.

The District Magistrate deemed it is necessary to ensure compliance of the aforesaid order within the district to prevent danger to human life, health and safety and to protect the environment.