Shillong, Dec 23: The A·chik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) has written to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma “with utmost concern and a sense of urgency” regarding what it says is the alarming and unchecked exploitation of natural resources occurring at Koksi Songma in the Songsak block of East Garo Hills.
Numerous residents, environmental observers and local stakeholders have reported to the ASPF that stone quarry operations are taking place without any valid documentation or statutory clearances, which are mandated under environmental laws and directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Upon receiving written complaints from the village headmen of 11 adjoining villages, the ASPF visited the site on December 19 and witnessed “massive destruction and earthcutting in this environmentally sensitive area”.
The Chiwate stream, which flows through this site, has been severely affected, compromising its main channel due to the massive earth excavation, the group added. “This has adversely affected the local community and farmers, as they rely on this stream as a source of drinking water, bathing, and washing clothes and utensils, and it serves as an essential water source for agricultural activities.”
Additionally, the plying of heavily loaded trucks risks damaging the recently completed PMGSY roads and poses dangers to commuters, especially school students. The only paperwork the stone quarry possessed was a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Deputy Commissioner.
“This raises serious concerns about how such an NOC was issued without a proper inquiry, and we request that it be immediately revoked,” the ASPF said.
“This illegal and reckless exploitation of land and resources has resulted in massive environmental degradation with far-reaching consequences,” it added. These include destruction of forest and vegetation, soil erosion and landscape devastation, pollution of air and water resources and noise pollution.
