Shillong, April 24: The District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills district, H. M. L. Kynta, has issued an order prohibiting illegal mining, quarrying, and removal of sand from riverbeds across the district.
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The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, follows reports that sand extraction from the riverbeds of the Wahniangleng River near Myllem in East Khasi Hills was severely affecting water sources in nearby areas.
According to the order, the restriction is in line with directives of the National Green Tribunal, which prohibits mining, quarrying, or removal of sand from riverbeds without valid mining licences, quarry permits, and environmental clearances as required under the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 2006 issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
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Authorities stated that indiscriminate removal of sand and minerals from riverbeds has caused environmental damage, including destruction of vegetation, degradation of water sources, and harm to aquatic life. Such activities have also made water unsafe for drinking in affected areas.
The District Magistrate has therefore directed that no person, company, or authority carry out mining or sand extraction without obtaining the necessary licences and clearances from the competent authorities.
The order has been issued with immediate effect across the entire East Khasi Hills district and will remain in force until further notice.
