Shillong, May 11: The Garo Hills Youth Solidarity (GHYS) has urged the forest department to reconsider the consent granted for stone mining at Koksi Songma and take immediate steps to halt the operations of the stone crusher at Nangapa.
GHYS East Garo Hills president Endick Marak in a letter to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest said despite the strong resistance from the community, permission has been issued, leading to deep resentment among the people in the area.
The ongoing mining activities pose a severe threat to the natural environment, particularly impacting the Chidrang stream, which is deteriorating due to excessive excavation. The consequences of such activities raise serious concerns about ecological balance and public welfare, he said.
Moreover, the newly constructed PMGSY road connecting Nangapa to Koksi Songma—an essential infrastructure project long advocated by local residents—is now at risk due to heavy vehicular traffic induced by mining operations. “These developments not only threaten the ecological balance of the region but also undermine the welfare and aspirations of the local community,” he added.
The GHYS has demanded an independent assessment of the environmental damage and infrastructure degradation to protect the interests of the local community. If appropriate actions are not taken promptly, the affected residents will have no choice but to seek redressal through the National Green Tribunal (NGT), it said.
