Due to apparent inaction on the part of the authorities, rampant destruction of the environment is ongoing with illegal stone crushers and quarries operating with abandon in Rani, Ri-Bhoi.
This is also leading to revenue loss for the state government exchequer, which could otherwise earn money from quarry licences.
Rani is situated along the interstate border with Assam in Jirang block.
According to sources, stone crushers and quarries at Rani are operating illegally without the approval of the Meghalaya government. It was also added that many businessmen from Assam are daring to set up illegal stone crushing units and quarries that operate in broad daylight.
The boulders, stone chips and soil from the operations are illegally exported to Assam, leaving the remaining landscape a ruin.
